Fijiana 15s winger Atelaite Buna continues to impress the coaches, demonstrating her versatility and strength in multiple positions.
Buna is one of two players with positional changes made by coach Mosese Rauluni for their second Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship match against Papua New Guinea tonight in Brisbane, Australia.
The other positional switch is Doreen Narokete, who moves from lock to blindside flanker.
Rauluni said Buna is a very talented young player and notes that she has the ability to contribute in different roles which is a significant advantage for the team.
“She is probably one of the best defenders in the back-row. She really plays well so 13 is a hard position to defend but she’s in a position to get her hands on the ball.”
He adds that she’s been handed a great task for their match tonight and believes she can execute accordingly.
Meanwhile, Fijiana Drua winger Repeka Tove will make her debut for the Fijiana 15s in the number 14 jersey tomorrow when they play Papua New Guinea in round two of the Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship in Australia.
Coach Moses Rauluni has made nine changes and two positional switches in his starting side.
Retained are Mereoni Nakesa, Doreen Narokete, captain Karalaini Naisewa, Merewai Cumu and Luisa Tisolo.
A new look front row of Iris Verebalavu, Keleni Marawa and Tiana Robanakadavu have been given a chance with Asinate Serevi coming to partner Nakesa as locks.
Narokete switches from lock to blindside flanker together with Fulori Nabura at seven and Naisewa is the number eight.
Setaita Railumu will run the show at halfback and Merewalei Rokouono at flyhalf.
Speedster Atelaite Buna moves from the wing to center where she will be guided by Cumu who’s been retained as a second five eighth, and Merewairita Neivosa is the other winger.
Tisolo will be at fullback, and the reserves are Unaisi Lalabalavu,Loraini Senivutu,Vika Matarugu,Nunia Daunimoala,Sulita Waisega, Evivi Senikarivi, Salanieta Kinita and Adita Milinia.
The Fijiana will take on PNG at 7.30pm tonight.
