Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Super W head coach Scott Fava has named an exciting side for round one of Buildcorp Super W with the Brumbies travelling to Fiji for the first time as an organisation to take on the defending Champions, Fijiana Drua.
The historic fixture is the first ever Super W game in Fiji, with Fava naming ten potential ACT debutants, led by the inclusion of teenage playmaker Faitala Moleka, who will steer the Brumbies attack from flyhalf.
Up front, Fijian international Iris Verebalavu will start at loosehead prop, with Wallaroo and vice-captain Tania Naden at hooker and Tongan tighthead Lila Hifo on debut forming an all-international front-row.
Ash Fernandez will combine with Jess Grant in the second row, Grant also wearing ACT colours for the first time.
Zali Waihape returns to the Super W arena in 2023 after a breakout season two years ago, with Lydia Kavoa making her debut at openside flanker. Wallaroos powerhouse Grace Kemp will be a key figure for the side at number eight.
Jay Huriwai was a standout for the Brumbies in 2022, the Two-Blues nine partnering Moleka in the halves.
Wallaroo and captain Siokapesi Palu will lead the side from inside centre with Harmony Ioane one to watch at 13.
Biola Dawa, Ash Bishop and Wallaroo Jemima McCalman form a balanced back-three.
In the finishers, foundation Super W hooker Harriet Elleman and debutants Sally Fuesaina and Brittany Le’au’anae will come on in the front row with Kate Holland and Tabua Tuinakauvadra covering lock and backrow respectively.
Gisela Vea will bring spark at halfback with Tongan international Shonte To’a a potential match winner at 10. Akira Kelly completes the Brumbies gameday 23.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Super W head coach, Scott Fava said: “As a team and an organisation, we’re excited and honoured to be part of such a landmark game for women’s rugby in this part of the world.”
“Fijiana Drua are a fantastic team, there will be a big home crowd in Fiji, but we’ll embrace all of that and put our best foot forward as a group.
“We’re looking forward to seeing players have their first chance to represent the ACT and begin our journey in 2023.”
SAFEGUARD GLOBAL ACT BRUMBIES SUPER W ROUND ONE TEAM
1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Tania Naden (VC)
3. Lila Hifo*
4. Ash Fernandez
5. Jess Grant*
6. Zali Waihape
7. Lydia Kavoa*
8. Grace Kemp
9. Jay Huriwai (VC)
10. Faitala Moleka*
11. Biola Dawa
12. Siokapesi Palu (C)
13. Harmony Ioane*
14. Jemima McCalman
15. Ashlea Bishop
REPLACEMENTS
16. Harriet Elleman
17. Sally Fuesaina*
18. Brittany Le’au’anae*
19. Kate Holland* (VC)
20. Tabua Tuinakauvadra
21. Gisela Vea
22. Shonte To’a*
23. Akira Kelly*
* Denotes ACT Brumbies debut
