Bitila Tawake to start for the Drua in the final

Former captain Bitila Tawake has made her way into the starting lineup for the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women when they take on the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby Women’s final on Sunday.

She is replacing tighthead prop Anasimeci Korovata who has been suspended for 1 week after receiving three yellow cards in the past three games.

Salanieta Nabuli, Keleni Marawa and Tawake will make up the front row, Jade Coates and Asinate Serevi will pair up in the locks while Nunia Daunimoala and Sulita Waisega form the flanking pair with captain Karalaini Naisewa at number 8.

Nippy halfback Setaita Railumu retains her place at number 9 and will form the halves combination with Jeniffer Ravutia.

Adita Milinia and Merewairita Neivosa will be on the wings, Merewalesi Rokouono will partner with the explosive Vani Arei at centre with speed merchant Atelaite Buna starting at fullback again.

On the bench Litia Marama, Loraini Senivutu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa and Fulori Rotagavira will provide cover for the forwards while Evivi Senikarivi, Salanieta Kinita and Repeka Tove covering the backline.

The Drua Women will take on the Waratahs at 4pm this Sunday in Brisbane.

First 15:

1. Salanieta Nabuli, 2. Keleni Marawa, 3. Bitila Tawake, 4. Jade Coates, 5. Asinate Serevi, 6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Sulita Waisega, 8. Karalaini Naisewa ©, 9. Setaita Railumu, 10. Jeniffer Ravutia, 11. Adita Milinia, 12. Merewalesi Rokouno, 13. Vani Arei (VC), 14. Merewairita Neivosa, 15. Atelaite Buna.

Impact:

16. Litia Marama, 17. Loraini Senivutu, 18. Tiana Robanakadavu, 19. Mereoni Nakesa, 20. Fulori Rotagavira, 21. Evivi Senikarivi, 22. Salanieta Kinita, 23. Repeka Tove.

Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men will take on Moana Pasifika at 2.05pm this Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka in round 10 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.