Rookie flanker Alfreda Fisher will captain the Vodafone Fijiana XV in tomorrow’s Test clash against the Australian Wallaroos at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.

Fijian XV head coach Ioan Cunningham said the 20-year-old has been a standout individual in the group, always leading by example.

“She performed really well, especially with the Fijian Drua in recent weeks, incredibly proud of this opportunity for her,” the Welshman said.

Also making their comeback from long-term injuries are centre Vani Arei who is in the starting line-up while utility back Atelaite Buna in on the bench. Also, former Fijiana sevens captain and Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Rusila Nagasau starts at No.8 ahead of Karalaini Naisewa.

Cunningham said they are proud of the team that has been selected.

“We’ve spoken a lot about this opportunity to inspire- to go out there, enjoy the moment and express themselves. This is still a key part of our journey towards the Rugby World Cup.

The match kicks-off at 5pm.

LINE-UPS 

Fijiana XV: 1. Salanieta Nabuli, 2. Keleni Marawa, 3. Anasimeci Korovata, 4. Jade Coates, 5. Mereoni Nakesa, 6. Alfreda Fisher (captain), 7. Salaseini Railumu, 8. Rusila Nagasau, 9. Kolora Lomani, 10. Salanieta Kinita, 11. Aloesi Nakoci, 12. Josivini Naihamu, 13. Vani Arei, 14. Repeka Tove, 15. Luisa Tisolo.

Reserves: 16. Bitila Tawake, 17. Lavenia Gray, 18. Tiana Robanakadavu, 19. Merevesi Ofakimalino, 20. Karalaini Naisewa, 21. Setaita Railumu, 22. Ema Adivitaloga, 23. Atelaite Buna.

Wallaroos: 1.Bree-Anna Browne, 2. Katalina Amosa, 3. Faliki Pohiva, 4. Michaela Leonard, 5. Tiarah Minns, 6. Siokapesi Palu (captain), 7. Ashley Marsters, 8. Tabua Tuinakuvadra, 9. Layne Morgan, Faitala Moleka, 11. Desiree Miller, 12. Cecilia Smith, 13. Bienne Terita, 14. Maya Stewart, 15. Caitlyn Halse.

Reserves: 16. Tania Naden, 17. Martha Fua, 18. Eva Karpani, 19. Ashley Fernandez, 20. Emily Chancellor, 21. Tia Hinds, 22. Trilleen Pomate, 23. Charlotte Caslick.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj