An incredible year for Fijian Women’s Rugby culminates in a historic first Super W Final.

In a matter of months this group of talented young women have gone from virtual unknowns to becoming household names and the story of the year.

They play a thrilling brand of rugby, exciting and captivating and up until this point, unstoppable.

Starting at the top

Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula again has proven why he is one of if not the best local coaching product. Whilst we all debate if Fijian style rugby is viable at a high level, Seruvakula doesn’t hesitate and goes all in proving that done correctly, it does work and has worked. Also a special mention to Mike Legge and Inoke Male who are a big part of the putting the program together.

Super W were not ready for Fijiana Drua and on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne, we will see if the Waratahs Women have learned enough to stop the juggernaut Drua.

Famous Surnames

First we acknowledge our Fijian duo playing for the Waratahs. Famous surnames in Fijian Rugby. We wish Sera Naiqama well in her journey to represent the Wallaroos at the World Cup and also Iliseva Batibasaga who could play her last Super W match on the weekend against the Drua.

Dream Debut

Fancy making your Super W debut in a Grand Final. Well that’s exactly what Sera Seini Ravatudei will do when she comes off the bench. The league convert from Western Australia has been handed the 18 jersey in her first match and is as physical as they come.

The opposition

We would be silly to ignore the class of the opposition. Beating them once is one thing, doing it again in a Final is a whole other challenge. Make no mistake, since the Drua ended their 4 year winning streak they have worked vigorously on their plan of attack.

In their only match this season the Drua finished 29-10 victors but after an initial flurry of tries in the first 15 minutes, the rest of the match turned into a tough, tight tussle as the Waratahs reigned in their attack and kept it simple. The final 64 minutes finished 12-10 to the Drua. That’s where the Waratahs will look. What they did right and do it from the opening whistle.

Fijiana gave away 17 penalties in that game. The Waratahs will slow things down, kick for touch and take any extra metres offered to them.

If they tuned into the Drua’s last match, they would have noticed the spoiling tactics and borderline unsportsmanlike conduct from the Brumbies. Getting in the faces of the Drua players, niggling at every opportunity and pushing the referee to every limit. NSW seem too classy to play in such a manner but nothing is off the table and the Drua should at least be ready if it does turn out that way.

Officiating

I hate to say it, but we must remember that our women have come into their backyard and embarrassed them. Australia helped Fiji in giving the Drua a license into the competition but no one ever said anything about winning it. Now the ARU are staring down the barrel of losing their own competition to a team who had only weeks to prepare, facilitated with the bare minimum and is only in their first year.

I cannot help but think unless the Drua pile on points early they will have a tough day with the officials. Let’s hope that such a momentous day for all Fijians is not ruined by a bad referee decision.

Why the Drua can win

Simple really, more of the same. Hit them hard and remind them exactly why Fijiana are unbeaten. Straight through the front door as they have have done all season and take the game out of the officials hands. Show them to them…

Players to watch

Starting at number 8 is the powerful Sereima Leweniqila. She has shown throughout the season she has the ability to dominate in all facets of the game. Powerful running and physicality in defence. A true force to be reckoned with. If she has her way on Saturday it will go a long way to winning the game for her team.

Hooker Vika Matarugu will kick down the front door and get the Drua rolling up the middle. Her ability to offload in traffic will also become a big factor in this match.

Fly-half Merewalesi Rokouono will steer the side around the park and link up with the likes of Roela Raduniyavuni who is their biggest strike weapon. A lot of their points are on the back of her ability to find and create space. She has been a standout this season but will be heavily marked. Knowing what she’s going to do and stopping her are two completely different things though.

Finally the lethal back three of fulback Timaima Ravisa and her lightning wingers Kolora Lomani and Vitalina Naikore who both have 4 tries to their name. They will be there to finish any opportunities created by centres Radiniyavuni and Rajieli Laqeretabua. Ravisa is class fullback always in support and knows exactly where to position herself. Lomani and Naikore, give them an inch and they will take it every time.

Prediction

While we shouldn’t get carried away these women have filled me with enough confidence to predict a win. They are on the verge of doing something truly remarkable, against all odds.

But regardless of the result, they are Champions. TOSO DRUA!

Write for Rakaviti

We are on the lookout for aspiring writers in Fiji who share the same passion towards our Women and Men’s teams. If you would like to write, no experience necessary, then shoot us an email at support@rakaviti.com.

Join in the conversation

Such a big day for Fijian Rugby. How do you think the game will play out? Drop a comment below and join in the conversation.