Super Rugby Women’s Week Three teams: double headers galore, bumper weekend awaits in Fiji, Reds fight for season

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Round Three of the Super Rugby Women’s continues this weekend, with double headers galore as the Waratahs facing up against the Rebels on the Friday night, the Force travel to Fiji, and the Reds host the Brumbies in Brisbane

See all the team news below.

Friday

NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels, 5:00 pm AEDT

While recording a mammoth 21-62 victory on the road, the Waratahs will only make one change to the side that tasted victory in Lautoka, with Brianna Hoy makes her starting debut for the year in the front row.

The decision is a huge sign of respect towards the Rebels, who once again reminded everyone they are side that is more than capable of knocking off any team following them going down in a 24-22 thriller in Canberra.

The visitors will welcome Lindroth Cup prospect Laiema Bosenavulagi into the front row, complimenting a largely unchanged pack.

Teuila Pritchard returns back to the starting lineup after a strong showing last week, with the backline shifting several names. Keep an eye out for AFLW and Rebels veteran Mia-Rae Clifford coming off the bench, who has one of the best kicking boots in the competition.

Jade Coates of the Fijian Drua with the ball during the round two Super Rugby Women’s match between Fijian Drua and NSW Waratahs. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)

WARATAHS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Brittany Merlo, Bridie O’Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Skye Churchill, Piper Duck (c), Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Katrina Barker, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse

RESERVES: Siusiuosalafai Volkman, Emily Robinson, Eva Karpani, Sera Naiqama, Hollie Cameron, Tatum Bird, Waiaria Ellis, Jacinta Windsor

REBELS (1-15): Laiema Bosenavulagi, Jayme Nuku, Jiowana Sauto, Easter Savelio, Tiarah Minns, Melanie Kawa, Sui Pauaraisa, Grace Hamilton, Lucy Brown, Cassie Siataga, Teuila Pritchard, Crystal Mayes, Ashley Marsters, Tamsin Barber, Chanelle Kohika-Skipper

RESERVES: Mary Tuaana, Anastasia Mamea, Paula Ioane, Sydney Niupulusu, Laetitia Bobo, Sarah Hogan, Grace Freeman, Mia-Rae Clifford

Saturday

Fijian Drua v Western Force, 3:35 pm FJT

The Fijiana Drua will be reeling after their big loss to the Tahs at home, however, they will have their work cut out taken on a dangerous Western Force squad filled with international talent and coming off a first-ever win over the Queensland Reds, as part of the second double header in Lautoka.

The Drua will name an unchanged backline, with Keleni Marawa moving off the bench into the starting side at hooker, along with Nunia Daunimoala coming into the loose forwards. Also keep an eye out for Jordyn Tihore, who is set to play her first game off the bench.

Trilleen Pomare becomes the first player to play 25 games for the Western Force this weekend when she takes the field, having not missed a game for the girls in the west since the competition’s inception. Haylee Hifo also returns to the outside backs after an injury in round two, while dangerous local product Keira MacAskill comes onto the bench.

Aside from the loss of two experienced players in Rosie McGehan and Black Fern Pia Tapsell, the Force retain a strong squad filled with international experience and will be determined to repeat their victory from last year in Perth and beat the Drua in Lautoka.

DRUA (1-15): Anaseimeci Korovata, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu, Asinate Serevi, Jade Coates, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Karalaini Naisewa (c), Evivi Senikarivi, Merewalesi Rokouno, Adita Milinia, Merewai Cumu, Vani Arei, Merewairita Naivoha, Luisa Tisolo

RESERVES: Jordyn Tihore, Salanieta Nabuli, Tiana Robanakadavu, Vulori Nabura, Teresia Tinanivalu, Setaita Railumu, Jeniffer Ravutia, Atelaite Ralivanawa

FORCE (1-15): Alapeta Ngauamo, Sara Cline, Natsuki Kashiwagi, Michaela Leonard, Rosie Ebbage, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Anneka Stephens, Tamika Jones, Samantha Wood, Nicole Ledington, Saelua Leaula, Trilleen Pomare, Sheree Hume, Haylee Hifo, Aiysha Wigley

RESERVES: Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Hinata Komaki, Harono Te Iringa, Keira MacAskill, Alanis Toia, Lucy Dinnen, Renae Nona, Siutiti Ma’ake

Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies, 4:05 pm AEST

The Reds will be desperate to get back to winning ways after back-to-back losses to start the season, and will be determined to start a strong afternoon for Queensland rugby off the right way with a victory against the Brumbies.

Haidee Head earns her first start for the season at number eight, while Nat Wright returns to the bench for her first match of the season. Aleena Greenhalgh and Isah Soloai are also out due to injury with American prop Charli Jacoby called up for international duties, so keep an eye out for Janita Kareta and Grace Baker, who are both set to make their debut in maroon off the bench.

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By comparison, the Brumbies have name a mostly settled squad following their return to the winners circle with their close victory over the Rebels, with Sally Fuesaina returning to the starting side and Kolora Lomani returning to scrumhalf, following a knee injury to Wallaroo Jay Huriwai that will rule her out for the season.

Coming onto the bench in the fill-in scrum half position is Batesman Bay Boar Bonnie Brewer, who is in line to make her debut for the Fillies after recovering from a hand injury.

REDS (1-15): Madi Schuck, Tiarna Molloy, Maletina Brown, Deni Ross, Lucy Thorpe, Jemma Bemrose, Carola Kreis, Haidee Head, Sarah Dougherty, Carys Dallinger, Ivania Wong, Cecilia Smith (c), Alana Elisaia, Shalom Sauaso, Lori Cramer

RESERVES: Liz Patu, Janita Kareta, April Ngatupuna, Ashlee Knight, Grace Baker, Caitlin Urwin, Dianne Waight, Nat Wright

BRUMBIES (1-15): Sally Fuesaina, Tania Naden, Iroha Kisimoto, Kate Holland, Ash Fernandez, Siokapesi Palu (c), Katalina Amosa, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Kolora Lomani, Faitala Moleka, Jemima McCalman, Kayla Sauvao, Harmony Ioane, Biola Dawa, Ashlea Bishop

RESERVES: Erika Maslen, Allana Sikimeti, Iris Verebalavu, Loretta Mailangi, Lydia Kavoa, Bonnie Brewer, Kyah Little, Chioma Enyi

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