It will be a 2024 Grand Final rematch at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium when the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women run out for their Round 1 of Super Rugby Women competition.

Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has named a strong line-up to take on defending champions, the NSW Waratahs in their home ground. He has handed the captaincy reins to seasoned campaigner Vika Matarugu and named blockbusting attacker Vitalina Naikore as vice-captain.

Rawaqa has named six Drua debutants in the first match of 2025 with Fijiana reps Alfreda Fisher, Josivini Naihamu and Alowesi Nakoci listed in the starting 15 alongside Salaseini Railumu. The side also sees the return of Vitalina Naikore, Kolora Lomani and Ema Adivitaloga.

In the starting 15, prop Salanieta Nabuli will start at loosehead in the season opener, with captain Vika Matarugu at tighthead prop. Keleni Marawa starts at hooker.

In the middle row, Mereoni Nakesa partners Asinate Serevi . Alfreda Fisher is at blindside flanker with Railumu at openside flanker. Former captain Karalaini Naisewa, who remains an integral part of the team, is at number 8.

In the backline, Kolora Lomani will make her return at halfback, partnering Salanieta Kinita who is at flyhalf. Alowesi Nakoci secures her spot in the left wing with Repeka Tove on the right wing.  Naihamu starts at inside centre with vice-captain Vitalina Naikore outside her. Luisa Tisolo completes the starting line-up at fullback.

On the bench, Rawaqa has named newcomer Isabella Koi as backup hooker, Loraini Senivutu will cover the loosehead prop role with Ana Korovata as back-up tighthead. Adivitaloga will cover for locks and Bitila Tawake backs up the loose forward trio. Evivi Senikarivi will cover halfback with Litiana Vueti covering flyhalf. Merewairita Neivosa covers the rest of the backline.