Vodafone Fijiana XV Name Squad to Face Manusina Samoa in Oceania Women’s Championship
Vodafone Fijiana Head Coach Ioan Cunningham has named his match-day 23 to take on Manusina in their second test of the 2025 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship, set to kick off at 3pm this Saturday, at Lawaqa Park Sigatoka.
The squad features a mix of continuity and exciting new changes, headlined by17-year-old debutant Carletta Yee, who earns her first call-up after an
impressive rise through the ranks. Yee, a lock forward, is a former student of St Joseph’s Secondary School and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School and currently plays for the Striders Rugby Club in Suva. She turns 18 in two weeks’ time
Key Selections & Notable Changes:
• Carletta Yee replaced Asinate Serevi on the bench
• Manuqalo Noame Komaitai breaks into the starting lineup at No. 8,
pushing former Fijiana 7s captain Rusila Nagasau out of the 23.
• Setaita Railumu retains her spot at halfback following a strong
performance against Tonga.
• Exciting youngster Michella’e Stolz earns her first start on the wing after
debuting last week.
• Veteran Luisa Tisolo returns to fullback, while sisters Keleni Marawa
and Karalaini Naisewa join the bench.
• Speedster Alowesi Nakoci comes in as an impact player.
Coach’s Perspective:
Despite the torrential rain in last week’s 59-5 win over Tonga; Coach
Cunningham was pleased with the team’s execution under pressure:
“The conditions were tough, but we executed a wet-weather game plan effectively. Scoring 59 points in those conditions shows real progress.”
On team improvements, Cunningham added:
“We’ve improved significantly in key areas since the Wallaroos match—game control, territory management, discipline, and our set-piece execution all took a step forward. Our scrum was solid, and the lineout improved as the match progressed.”
On youth and development:
“It’s been inspiring to see our young players step up with confidence. They’ve brought new energy and are developing quickly within the team environment.”
Looking ahead to Manusina Samoa, Cunningham expects a fierce challenge:
“Samoa are well-coached and highly physical. They beat us in WXV last year, sothis test will be a great benchmark for our World Cup preparations.”
Debutant Carletta Yee on Representing Fiji:
“I would just go in there to perform, play the game, and do what I need to do. Just need to know my priorities.”
The Suva-based lock has impressed coaches with her focus and maturity beyond her years.
Starting XV:
1. Loraini Senivutu
2. Bitila Tawake
3. Tiana Robanakadavu
4. Jade Coates
5. Mereoni Nakesa
6. Nunia Daunimoala
7. Alfreda Fisher (Captain)
8. Manuqalo Noame Komaitai
9. Setaita Railumu
10. Salanieta Kinita
11. Michella’e Stolz
12. Josifini Neihamu
13. Ema Adivitaloga
14. Repeka Tove
15. Luisa Tisolo
Reserves:
16. Keleni Marawa
17. Lavenia Nauga-Grey
18. Bulou Wainikiti Vasuturaga
19. Carletta Yee
20. Karalaini Naisewa
21. Kolora Lomani
22. Salote Nailolo
23. Alowesi Nakoci