Fijiana to test young guns
FIJIANA 15s head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named 18 new players in his 28-member squad travelling for the Oceania Championship in New Zealand next month.
Seruvakula has retained 10 players who were part of the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua which won the Super W championship in Australia in April.
“We have a depth chart with a good pool of players so when we were away overseas, these new players were still doing their training and playing in the ANZ Marama
Championship,” Seruvakula said.
“They have been performing to their level best for their province in the ANZ Marama Championship and have also responded well to training.”
Players such as prop Joma Rubuti, Vika Matarugu, Jade Coates, Bitila Tawake, Vitalina Nakore, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Reijeli Uluinayau, Merewalesi Rokouno and Rachael Laqereqeretabua will bring international experience into the squad.
Five overseas-based players - Asinate Serevi (the US), Talei Kidd (NZ), Sulita Waisega (Netherlands), Emma Masi (Australia) and Talei Wilson (Australia) - have also made the cut into the travelling squad.
Seruvakula said the other players who were part of the Super W campaign and who had played in Test matches against the Wallaroos and Japan had been rested.
“It’s an ideal opportunity to give game time to these new set of players and actually gauge them when it comes to the test level. These players will be supported by those who have already earned Test caps against the Wallaroos and Japan in May.
“Those left (behind) will continue to do their daily training at the nearest high performance centres and will march into camp for our final phase of preparation once we are back in Fiji after the Oceania Championship.” Seruvakula added they were targeting to accomplish another aim by winning the Oceania Championship.
“We know every team will come prepared and will try and counter us but we have our plans set and will work towards it,” Seruvakula said.
“It’s also a great opportunity to test ourselves in terms of combinations, set pieces and the depth in the squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup in October.
The Oceania Championship kicks off on July 9.
Joma Rubuti, Mereoni Namositava, Miriama Kunagale, Vika Matarugu, Litia Marama, Seruwaia Qauqau,
Merevesi Ofakimalino, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Jade Coates, Lowata Talilevu, Makereta Bulou, Asinate Serevi, Emma Masi, Fulori Nabura, Sulita Waisega, Bitila Tawake, Rejieli Uluinayau, Merewalesi Rokouono, Vitalina Naikore, Wainikiti Vosadrau, Eavivi Senikarivi, Adita Milina, Unaisi Tagabale, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Rachel Leqeretabua, Talei Kidd, Sisilia Namatasere, Talei Wilson
Non-travelling reserves: Bulou Vasuturaga, Salote Vakaturi
AT A GLANCE
Fijiana matches: July 9 v PNG July 13 v Tonga July 17 v Samoa