Pacific women youth tennis team in Australia, now competing in China.
Photo: Oceania Tennis
Drua women told to focus
The Fijiana Drua need to focus on their own game and get a win first against the Melbourne Rebels before thinking about a home semifinal, head coach Mosese Rauluni says.
The Drua women can secure a home semifinal if they beat the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday.
Rauluni said the Rebels will be keen to get a win after their loss to the Reds in a Super W clash last weekend.
But the former Flying Fijian halfback said the focus will be on winning in Melbourne.
“I told the girls that we can not think about the final, we gotta worry about this game,” he said.
“Rebels will be hurting from losing against the Reds. They are a good team and they will fight until the end.”
Rauluni has told the players that the important thing for them will be to focus on their own game plan and getting it done right.
“We can think about who we play in Suva later,” he said.
Scoring when inside the opposition 22 zone is critical, something Rauluni had picked on in their last four matches.
The Drua women sit behind the Waratahs on the points table while the Rebels are at the bottom of the table.
Rauluni has made a few changes to his line-up after last weekend’s win over the Brumbies.
Repeka Tove will make her Super Rugby Women debut this weekend after being named on the wing.
Experiences locks Asinate Serevi and Jade Coates have been given the nod to continue in their positions along with captain Karalaini Naisewa at number eight.
Speed merchant Atelaite Buna will start at fullback after playng on the wing last week.
The match kick’s off at 7.05pm (FJT) on Saturday.
Fijiana Drua matchday 23: 1. Salanieta Nabuli 2. Keleni Marawa 3. Vika Matarugu 4. Asinate Serevi 5. Jade Coates (VC) 6. Nunia Daunimoala 7. Sulita Waisega 8. Karalaini Naisewa (C) 9. Evivi Senikarivi 10. Salanieta Kinita 11. Adita Milinia 12. Merewai Cumu 13. Vani Arei (VC) 14. Repeka Tove 15. Atelaite Buna. Reserves: 16. Litia Marama 17. Anasimeci Korovata 18. Tiana Robanakadavu 19. Mereoni Nakesa 20. Teresia Tinanivalu 21. Setaita Railumu 22. Merewalesi Rokouono 23. Luisa Tisolo
Moana eyes improvement
Moana Pasifika assistant coach Stephen Jones says the team is looking forward to an improved performance against the Reds despite a tough past three weeks.
The side host the Queenslanders Whangarei in a round eight Super Rugby Pacific clash in Whangarei on Friday night.
Moana Pasifika lost 60-21 against the Brumbies, 47-8 against the Blues and thrashed 68-12 by the Chiefs in their last three matches.
Jones said the players have worked hard during the week in preparation for the clash.
“We are fully aware that it has been a tough three weeks for us,” he told the media on Wednesday.
“But we have done as a group is refocused and we have made it clear what parts of the game we want to improve on and how we are going to do that.
“We want to make sure that we work hard, compete hard and improve on our skills.”
Jones said despite the setbacks faced he is confident the team can make a positive turnaround against the Reds, who they expect to be tough opponents.
“Hugely respectful of the Reds team,” the former Welsh test player said.
“But also we are hugely focused on our areas that we want to improve so that we can get the result we want.
“Very confident that the boys can perform, seeing how well they have been at training and they are confident as a group.”
Rookie Allan Craig will run out on his home turf for the first time for Moana Pasifika.
Born and raised in Ahipara, Craig spent his teenage years in the Northland city where he captained the Whangārei Boys High School’s 1st XV.
The 21-year-old Northland Taniwha also led the Mid Northern Premier side to back-to-back titles last year. This weekend he’s earned his spot at lock.
“Being born and raised there, playing for the Tanis (Taniwha) was a huge goal growing up and getting to do that means a lot. Now getting to play a Super game there it will be awesome to play in front of my home crowd,” Craig said.
Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has made changes to this week’s team with Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli and Sione Mafileo starting in the front row.
Tough loosie Sione Havili Talitui will wear the skipper’s arm band at number eight.
Experienced halfback Ereatara Enari reclaims the number nine jersey.
Moana will be fighting for a win to add to the two they have claimed so far this year.
The Reds have named a strong lineup, with a number of their Pasifika players making the cut.
That includes Flying Fijians prop Peni Ravai and Wallabies Suliasi Vuivalu.
Moana Pasifika matchday 23: (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Irie Papuni, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu, Viliami Fine, Danny Toala; Reserves: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faiilagi, Melani Matavao, Christina Lealiifano, Nigel Ah Wong
Reds matchday 23: (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suli Vunivalu, Jock Campbell; Reserves: Josh Nasser, Alex Hodgman, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy
Japan leads series
Japan currently leads the World Rugby Challenge tournament in Apia, Samoa after the first round of matches.
The Japanese defeated hosts Samoa 48-5 while Fiji scrapped past Tonga A 29-17 on Wednesday.
On Monday Japan A will meet Fiji while Samoa squares off against Tonga.
Cooks touch finals
Cook Islands Touch 2024 Mixed Competition are holding their playoffs next week at the National Stadium in Nikao.
Cook Island News says president Julieanne (Julz) Westrupp says the final rounds will feature only the top four teams.
The top four teams heading into the playoffs are Outlaws, Nukz Power, KAPs and 007.
Westrupp said the playoffs will feature the top placed side taking on the fourth placed team and the second placed battling the third placed side. The winners will battle for the top prize while the losers will compete in the third-place playoff match.
The playoffs will be held next week on Wednesday.
Guam junior tennis team in Saipan.
Photo: Guam Tennis
Pacific tennis
The Pacific Oceania Billie Jean King Cup Team are competing in Changsa, China this week.
They had spent nine days over Easter in Victoria, Australia preparing for their campaign.
The team is made up of Tarani Kamoe, Saorise Breen and Ruby Coffin of Fiji, Samoa’s Eleanor Schuster and Tahiti’s Mehetia Boosie.
They played at the 2024 ALCTA Mornington Peninsula Easter Tournament and teamed up together there successfully in doubles.
East Pacific tennis meet in Tahiti
Junior tennis players from the some of the Pacific countries are competing at the East Pacific Regional Championships (EPRC) in Tahiti.
The event is being held from -april 8-16.
Players have travelled in from Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa.
North Pacific regional qualifiers
The sun-soaked courts of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, have become the battleground for junior tennis talents from across the North Pacific region.
They are there for the North Pacific Regional Qualifiers.
Oceania Tennis said a total of 74 budding players hailing from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, Nauru, Palau and the Northern Mariana Islands are participating at the event, across the Under-14, Under-16 individual categories, and Under-12 team event.
Over the course of the week-long event, players will engage in intense competition, showcasing their skills in singles and doubles matches across their age categories.
The U14 and U16 individual categories will see players go head-to-head in thrilling displays of athleticism and strategy, while the U12 team event will highlight teamwork and collaboration as team players join forces to compete against rival teams.
The tournament organizers,NMI Tennis,are optimistic for good weather throughout the event, as favorable conditions can greatly enhance the playing experience and ensure fair competition for all participants.
Beyond the competition, the North Pacific Regional Qualifiers offer more than just a chance for players to showcase their skills.
It’s an opportunity for cultural exchange and friendship, as athletes from diverse backgrounds come together to share their love for the sport. Off the court, players have the chance to bond, learn from one another, and forge lasting friendships that transcend borders.
For the host nation of the Northern Mariana Islands, the tournament is a testament to its commitment to promoting youth development and sportsmanship in the region.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes will continue to rise, with players vying for a chance to advance to the next stage of their tennis journey.
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