“In our match against Tonga last week, most of the players were out of action for three weeks after the Super W final while the overseas players for five weeks,” he said.
Vodafone Fijiana XV women during their training run on May 28, 2024. Photo: FRU Media
Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Mosese Rauluni is confident of the positional changes in his side for their Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship match against Papua New Guinea today.
This is after Rauluni moved in-form winger Atelaite Buna to the center position while center Merewairita Neivoce has been shifted to the wing.
“She’s probably been (Buna) one of our best defenders in the backline and she reads the play well,” Rauluni said.
“The center position is a very hard position to defend but a great position for her to get her hands on the ball. A few times last week we let her down by giving the ball too late.”
“In our match against Tonga last week, most of the players were out of action for three weeks after the Super W final while the overseas players for five weeks,” he said.
Rauluni said they would need to improve on the simple basic skills like catch and pass.
“These pretty little things in the game let us down against Tonga,” he said.
“We’ll have to play good field position against this team and try to put the foot in the front and kill them off.”
Rauluni said they have different strategies in place for PNG and Samoa.
“Our set piece and playing in the right part of the field will determine our win if we play our cards right.”
“Tove has learnt a lot and I expect her to make a difference when she takes the field.
“She’ll learn even more as every week we’re learning so that’s it all about and I hope she comes on and has an impact like the rest of the reserves.”
Rauluni said the positional changes in the lineup were primarily for game time and assessment of the players in different or new roles.
The team: (from 1 to 15): Iris Verebalavu, Keleni Marawa, Tiana Ronbanakadavu, Asinate Serevi, Mereoni Nakesa, Doreen Narokete, Fulori Nabura, Karalaini Naisewa (captain), Setaita Railumu, Merewalesi Rokouobo, Repeka Tove, Merewai Cumu, (Vice-captain), Atelaite Buna, Merewairita Neivosa, Luisa Tisolo; 16-23: Unaisi Lalabalavu, Loraini Senivutu, Vika Matarugu, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Evivi Senikarivi, Salanieta Kinita, Adita Milinia.
The match kicks off at 7.30pm in Sunnybank Rugby Club, Australia.
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
