The Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women have named their matchday 23 for the second round of the 2024 Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s competition. The Drua take on NSW Waratahs in an epic doubleheader with the men’s at Churchill Park in Lautoka this Saturday. Head Coach Mosese Rauluni has retained most of the matchday 23 who beat the Queensland Reds last Sunday.

In the starting 15, powerhouse prop Anasimeci Korovata retains her spot at loosehead, while it’s a welcome return for hooker Vika Matarugu to Drua colors. Mararugu spent last season with the Melbourne Rebels but re-joined the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua for 2024. Vice-captain Mereoni Vonosere retains her tighthead prop position.

Locks Mereoni Nakesa and Jade Coates start again this week in the middle row. The back row is also the same this week, with Teresia Tinanivalu at blindside flanker, Sulita Waisega at openside, and captain Karalaini Naisewa as the number 8 loose forward.

Meanwhile, Rauluni has retained the entire backline from last week. Evivi Senikarivi and Merewalesi Rokouono are the starting halves pair at halfback and flyhalf respectively. Adita Milinia and Merewairiti Neivosa (14) provide the firepower on the left and right wings, alongside the experienced center pairing of Merewai Cumu and vice-captain Vani Arei . Luisa Tisolo completes the run on the team at fullback.

Providing cover on the bench at hooker is Keleni Marawa (16), with the versatile Loraini Senivutu at tighthead prop and Tiana Robanakadavu (18) at loosehead. Aviame Veidreyaki and Nunia Daunimoala will cover the middle and back rows. Setaita Railumu is the back up halfback. Jeniffer Ravutia is the reserve flyhalf while Atelaite Ralivanawa covers the rest of the backline.

_Fijian Drua