Page 34 - IB April 2025

Sports Sports

LESSONS FROM 2025 SUPER W

By Alipate Pareti

The Fijian Drua Women ended their Super W 2025 campaign
after losing to the Queensland Reds in a high-scoring semi-final in
Ballymore in March.
So what were the takeaways from their run this season?
This year saw the return of scintillating winger Vitalina Naikore,
who spent some time away from rugby. On her return, Naikore
scored one of the fastest tries ever recorded in the Super W and
possibly in world women’s rugby history - just eight seconds from
kick-off.
The highlight reel quickly went viral and had some of women’s
rugby big names like former New Zealand Black Ferns half-back
and 3-time RWC winner, Kendra Cocksedge enthusing as to how
good it was. In the right mindset, with proper guidance, Naikore is
potentially a world-class player.
In terms of the leadership group within the team, senior players
like Vika Matarugu, Bitila Tawake, Karalaini Naisewa, and Asinate
Serevi have all kept their places in the current squad. They were
responsible for setting the tone for the team, leading by example
based on their vast rugby experience. However, the absence of
former captain Sereima Leweniqila was felt.
Luisa Tisolo was superb with the boot, as she slotted in kicks
from difficult angles out wide this season. Kolora Lomani has
really shined since switching from the wings to the half-back A high-scoring semi-final match between the Fijian Drua and Queensland
position. Her passes are swift and strong from the base, which is a Reds.
quality attribute for a number 9. Lomani rejoined the Drua after a
stint with the ACT Brumbies and the Fiji Rugby 7s.
National 7s and 15s stars Rusila Nagasau, Alowesi Nakoci, and
Raijeli Daveua were in the squad. However, Nagasau only made
two appearances for the Drua this season. She had a strong debut Merevesi Ofakimalino, and Nunia Daunimoala were the
at blindside flanker in Lautoka against the ACT Brumbies and usual second-row options to hold down a dangerous tight-
came off the bench as a replacement in the semi-finals. Nakoci five combination.
played in all five matches this season, but Daveua did not play any On the down side, knock-ons were their biggest enemy
games. Still, we expect Nagasau and Daveua to be an integral part this season. An effort to minimise the number of knock-
of the Drua and women’s rugby’s development more broadly. ons should be top priority come next year. Despite all the
New faces that stood out this season included flankers Salaesini talent and firepower to score tries from any range of the
Railumu and Alfreda Fisher, and inside centre Josivini Naihamu. field, most of the time those opportunities went begging
They continued to show courage and determination to solidify because of simple knock-ons.
their spots in the team and became regular starters in most of the Another key area of focus come next season has to be
matches. the end of catch-up rugby. In almost all their matches this
Injuries were an issue for the Drua camp this year. Last season’s year, the Fijiana Drua were trailing their opponents for
openside flanker, Sulita Waisega, is still recovering from a shoulder most of the 80 minutes. Somehow, it seems like the plan
injury. Inside and outside center pairing Vani Arei and Atelaite is to mount an attack in the last minutes of the game,
Buna were also nursing injuries. Arei was able to make a full firing from all cylinders, hoping to grab the win just
recovery and played some minutes in the semi-final loss to the before the final whistle. It worked on some occasions but
Reds, bagging a try in the process. it cost them their Super W finals berth.
The scrum was a weapon this season. The power of the heavy One important sidenote: Fair refereeing and quality
forward pack seems to be an unyielding force against their officiating should be demanded at all times. When
opponents. With the likes of Salanieta Nabuli, Keleni Marawa, Vika referees call the game properly, the game flows well.
Matarugu, Bitila Tawake, Anasimeci Korovata, Loraini Senivutu, There were a number of very debatable calls made
and Tiana Robanakadavu, the Fijian Drua Women were not lacking against the Drua that cost them this season. Remember
weight and power up front. Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, the famous World Rugby slogan “Keep Rugby Clean”?

34 Islands Business, April 2025