Vodafone Fijiana Named for Oceania Championship Opener Against Tonga

Vodafone Fijiana Head Coach Ioan Cunningham has named a dynamic and youthful match-day 23 to take on Tonga in their opening fixture of the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship 2025.

The line-up features five debutants:
• Litiana Vueti – Fullback from Visoto, Ovalau, who previously played for Lautoka and was part of the Fijiana Drua squad.
• Salote Nailolo – A powerful back from Nakorolevu, Namara, Tailevu; she played for BMS and Naitasiri Secondary before moving to Nasinu. Born 13 June 2006.
• Michella’e Stolz – Originally from Naselesele, Taveuni, Stolz developed her rugby in New Zealand. Born 11 August 2006.
• Selai Naliva – Hooker from Keasi, Navosa. Born 2 July 2005. She featured for Suva Grammar in the school competition before moving to Striders Club and later to the Suva Provincial Team.
• Manuqalo Noame Komaitai – Hailing from Bau Island, member of the British Army. she adds depth and versatility from the bench.

Coach Cunningham highlighted the mix of experience and fresh talent in the squad and shared his thoughts on the selection:

“Selection is always a challenge. We’re looking at more than just talent — adaptability, mental toughness, and how players thrive in unfamiliar environments all come into play. We’ve seen how some players have grown from the Wallaroos match, and now we want to see continued progress in key areas like territory control and tackle accuracy.”

Several changes have been made from the last test against the Wallaroos. Bitila Tawake and Tiana Robanakadavu, who came off the bench in that match, will now start in the front row alongside Loraini Senivutu, who has forced her way into the starting XV.

Captain Alfreda Fisher shifts from number 6 to 7 and will once again lead the team onto the field this Friday. The sailor brings strong leadership to the role.

Nunia Daunioala who didn’t play against the Australians, shifts from her usual lock to blindside flanker, and offering greater mobility and linking play between forwards and backs, Setaita Railumu starts at halfback, while Vueti will debut at fullback, replacing Luisa Tisolo— Vueti a player to watch with her pace and positional awareness.

Coach Cunningham emphasized key improvement areas:

“Against the Wallaroos, we had just 31% territory and missed 41 tackles. We’ve set internal benchmarks — we want better territory stats, ideally 50% or more, and to reduce missed tackles to under 15 per match. More than just winning, success for us means improving performance, clarity in our game plan, and inspiring our people.”

He also underscored the importance of leaving a lasting impact:

“This tournament is an opportunity to build legacy — that in 2025, this is what the Fijiana did in Oceania. It sets the platform for future success, including preparations for the World Cup.”

Vodafone Fijiana XV Line-up vs Tonga

1.Loraini Senivutu
2. Bitila Tawake
3. Tiana Robanakadavu
4. Jade Coates
5. Mereoni Nakesa
6. Nunia Daunioala
7. Alfreda Fisher (Captain)
8. Rusila Nagasau
9. Setaita Railumu
10. Salanieta Kinita
11. Atelaite Buna
12. Josifini Neihamu
13. Ema Adivitaloga
14. Repeka Tove
15. Litiana Vueti

Reserves:
16. Selai Naliva
17. Salanieta Nabuli
18. Bulou Wainikiti Vasuturaga
19. Asinate Serevi
20. Manuqalo Noame Komaitai
21. Kolora Lomani
22. Salote Nailolo
23. Michella’e Stolz