Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby Women’s Head Coach Jason Rogers has announced his match day 23 to take on the Fijian Drua Women’s at AAMI Park.
An unchanged Rebels front row will look to provide go forward for the Women’s side, with Ana Mamea partnering Jiowana Sauto, and Jayme Nuku at hooker.
Sydney Niupulusu moves to the starting side with lock Tiarah Minns. Melanie Kawa starts on the blindside with Sui Pauaraisa making her fifth start for the Rebels on the other side of scrum. Grace Hamilton locks down the 8 position, with her powerful runs set to push the Fiji defence.
Lucy Brown moves into the starting scrumhalf position, alongside Cassie Siataga at flyhalf. With their inside centre Crystal Mayes again looking to run with ball in hand and create options for her side. Captain Ashley Marsters will feature in the midfield, with the Victorian hoping to impress in front of a home crowd for the second time in 2024.
The threatening back three of Teuila Pritchard and Chanlle Kohika-Skipper on the wings and Samantha Treherne at fullback pose a threat early, with their speed out wide a feature for the home side.
Mary Tuaana, Laiema Bosenavulagi and Paula Ioane once again make up the reserve front row, with Easter Savelio and Laetitia Bobo ready to make an impact from the bench.
Millicent Scutt and playmaker Grace Freeman have the ability to shift the tempo in the late game. Both players having the skill and finesse to change the match, an attacking option for Head Coach Rogers to close out the game.
Mia-Rae Clifford makes up the reserve backs, with her pace and physicality on full display in last week’s match-up.
The Melbourne Rebels face the Fiji Drua Women in Round 5 of the 2024 Super Rugby Women’s season, kicking off at 5:05PM AEST, Saturday April 13 at AAMI Park. The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sport.
1. Ana Mamea
2. Jayme Nuku
3. Jiowana Sauto
4. Sydney Niupulusu
5. Tiarah Minns
6. Mel Kawa
7. Sui Pauaraisa
8. Grace Hamilton
9. Lucy Brown
10. Cassie Siataga
11. Teuila Pritchard
12. Crystal Mayes
13. Ashley Marsters
14. Chanelle Kohika-Skipper
15. Samantha Treherne
16. Mary Tuaana
17. Laiema Bosenavulagi
18. Paula Ioane
19. Easter Savelio
20. Laetitia Bobo
21. Millicent Scutt
22. Grace Freeman
23. Mia-Rae Clifford
