Fijiana 15 head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made eight changes to his matchday squad to face South Africa in their second Rugby World Cup pool game at Auckland’s Waitakere Stadium sunday.
The Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s team and officials after the captain’s run at HFC Bank Stadium on September 22, 2022. Photo: Ronald Kumar.
Fijiana 15 head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made eight changes to his matchday squad to face South Africa in their second Rugby World Cup pool game at Auckland’s Waitakere Stadium sunday.
Seruvakula maintained his front line of Iris Verebalavu and Siteri Rasolea on props while Vika Matarugu is at hooker.
Two changes have been made to the second line. Captain Sereima Leweniqila has been rested and replaced by Merevesi Ofakimalino who will partner Asinate Serevi at the locks.
Serevi also assumes the role of captain.
Sulita Waisega, 19, gets her second consecutive start and will team up with Raijieli Daveua who earns her second cap by relegating Ema Adivitaloga to the bench.
In the back, Talei Wilson enters the outside center and will partner Sesenieli Donu. Ilisapeci Delaiwau and Akanisi Sokoiwasa are the new wings that will be put in place to counter the opposition on Sunday.
Joma Rubuti, Kolora Lomani, Ana Maria Naimasi and Timaima Ravisa are set to make their World Cup debuts on the bench.
Seruvakula said these players should make an impact against South Africa, a match they must win to stay in contention for a quarter-final spot.
“We have evaluated the players and they are all eager to face their opponent,” he said.
He added that it was a blow that they lost their captain but had full faith in Serevi to get the job done that day.
Seruvakula said: “She was one of our co-captains and an exceptional player on and off the pitch. She has the quality to lead the pack and I think she will do well as a lock and leader of the team.
He said South Africa will put in a powerful performance that’s why the whole team must put in their best game of the day.
“They are a forward facing team and they will try to counter us in scrums, lineouts and mauls, but we have a game plan and we are ready to take them on,” Seruvakula said.
Fijiana takes on South Africa at 4:45 p.m. FJT on Sunday.
Fijiana Squad V South Africa
- Iris Verebalavu
- Vika Matarugu
- Siteri Rasolea
- Asinate Serevi
- Merevesi Ofakimalino
- Sulita Waisega
- Raijieli Daveua
- Karalaini Naisewa
- Lavena Cavuru
- Merewalesi Rokouono
- Ilisapeci Delaiwau
- Sesenieli Donu
- Talei Wilson
- Akanisi Sokoiwasa
- Roela Radiniyavuni
Reservations
- Bitila Tawake
- Bolou Vasuturaga
- Mereoni Namositava
- Joma Rubuti
- Ema Adiviloga
- Kolora Lomani
- Ana Maria Naimasi
Source: Fiji Rugby Media
