Ex Drua prop Starts for Rebels
Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby Women’s head coach Jason Rogers has announced a strong line-up to face the Rooster Fijian Drua women’s side at AAMI Park today. An unchanged Rebels front row will look to provide go forward for the women’s side, with Ana Mamea partnering Jiowana Sauto, and Jayme Nuku at hooker.
Sauto played for the Drua when they hoisted the Super W title in 2022. She is going to face Vika Matarugu. The duo played together for the Rebels last season.
Rogers wants Grace Hamilton to lock down the 8 position, with her powerful runs set to push the Fiji defence.
The threatening back three of Teuila Pritchard and Chanlle Kohika-Skipper on the wings and Samantha Treherne at fullback pose a threat early, with their speed out wide a feature for the home side.
Line-up REBELS:
1. Ana Mamea, 2. Jayme Nuku,
3. Jiowana Sauto, 4. Sydney Niupulusu,
5. Tiarah Minns, 6. Mel Kawa, 7. Sui Pauaraisa, 8. Grace Hamilton, 9. Lucy Brown, 10. Cassie Siataga, 11. Teuila Pritchard, 12. Crystal Mayes, 13. Ashley Marsters,
14. Chanelle Kohika-Skipper, 15. Samantha Treherne
Reserves: 16. Mary Tuaana, 17. Laiema Bosenavulagi, 18. Paula Ioane, 19. Easter Savelio, 20. Laetitia Bobo, 21. Millicent Scutt,
22. Grace Freeman, 23. Mia-Rae Clifford.
Drua:
1. Salanieta Nabuli, 2. Keleni
Marawa, 3. Vika Matarugu, 4. Asinate Serevi, 5. Jade Coates (VC),
6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Sulita Waisega, 8. Karalaini Naisewa (C),
9. Evivi Senikarivi, 10. Salanieta Kinita, 11. Adita Milinia, 12. Merewai Cumu, 13. Vani Arei (VC), 14. Repeka Tove, 15. Atelaite Buna. Reserves: 16. Litia Marama, 17. Anasimeci Korovata, 18. Tiana Robanakadavu, 19. Mereoni Nakesa, 20. Teresia Tinanivalu, 21. Setaita Railumu, 22. Merewalesi Rokouono, 23.Luisa Tisolo