New era begins as Willie Walker names his first Fijiana women's side for Springboks showdown

A new era for the Vodafone Fijiana XV begins on Saturday as head coach Willie Walker names two debutants for his first Test in charge against the South African Springbok Women.

Inside centre Ruth Raketekete and winger Adi Vani Buleki have been named in Walker's match-day 23 for the opening Test at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Fiji head into the series ranked 13th in the world while South African sit three places higher in 10th.

The two sides have met just once before at Test level, with Fijiana claiming a historic 21-17 victory over South Africa at the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Fiji will be looking to repeat that performance while the Springbok Women will be aiming to level the ledger in their first visit to Suva.

Experienced halfback Kolora Lomani captains the side with prop Bitila Tawake named vice-captain.

Walker said leading Fiji is a responsibility he is proud to take on.

"It is a privilege to be entrusted with leading the Vodafone Fijiana XV. Fiji has an incredible rugby culture and a talented group of athletes with enormous potential," he said in a statement issued by Fiji Rugby.

"I look forward to working with the players, management and Fiji Rugby to continue building a high-performance environment that inspires success and makes the people of Fiji proud."

The Vodafone Fijiana XV in action against Tonga in Lautoka in April. Fiji won 85-5. The Fijiana are preparing for another major Test challenge as they face the South African Springbok Women in Suva. Photo/Fiji Rugby

The Test is Walker's first in charge of the national team and offers an early look at the direction he wants to take Fijiana as they continue building towards the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Walker arrives in Fiji with a strong background in women's rugby in New Zealand, having coached the Blues Women to back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles in 2024 and 2025 and previously leading Auckland Storm in the Farah Palmer Cup.

The former Māori All Black and Highlanders fullback has also been involved with the Black Ferns XV programme.

He believes Fiji's attacking flair will only matter if his side first wins the physical battle.

"We know we have the flair and ability to play Fijian rugby, but first we have to do the job in the collision area. If we earn the right to play, we'll create opportunities," he told local media.

He expects South Africa to test his side from the opening whistle.

Watch Willie Walker's media conference in Fiji below.

"I've watched their last two Tests against the USA, and we know they'll be a real challenge," Walker said. "They're a physical side with good tempo and speed out wide.

"We have to be strong defensively, especially through the middle, and slow down the breakdown so we can set our defence."

South Africa co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt says her players know exactly what to expect from a Fiji side known for its power, pace and flair.

"We love the physicality, we love how dynamic they are in their game plan and how they go about doing their things," she told reporters.

Walker believes Fiji's natural strengths can take the team to another level.

"The potential that this country has in terms of rugby is exciting. I think it's an exciting thing to have that natural ability to play rugby, play an expansive game, be powerful and strong.

South Africa Women co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt says the Springboks are expecting a physical challenge from a Fijiana side known for its power and attacking flair. Photo/South Africa Women's Rugby

"If we can fine tune some of that and get some of the fundamentals and basics sorted out, then there's a really good opportunity to see some pretty quick growth in this game," Walker said.

Johannes-Haupt said the challenge Fiji brings is exactly what the Springboks need as they continue building depth in their own squad.

"It's going to be a nice mix for us because we brought a nice mixed group here."

She said the tour also gives younger players the chance to stake their claim for future selection.

"We actually want to give people opportunities to express themselves and see what they can do and put their hands up for selection going forward."

The physical battle is expected to be one of the biggest contests of the afternoon.

The South African Springbok Women are preparing for a two-Test series against the Vodafone Fijiana XV, with the opening match set for HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Photo/springboks.rugby

Fijiana have already identified the collision area as a key focus after lessons learned from their recent Super Rugby Women's campaign while South Africa are equally eager to test themselves against one of the Pacific's most exciting teams.

Walker has backed a blend of experienced internationals and fresh talent for the occasion.

The starting pack features Bitila Tawake, Karalaini Naisewa, Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Nunia Daunimoala, Adi Salaseini Railumu and Alfreda Fisher.

Lomani and Varanisese Qoro combine in the halves, with Repeka Tove, Raketekete, Merewairita Neivoha, Buleki and Litiana Vueti completing the backline.

The bench includes Selai Naliva, Elesi Saukuru, Keri Lawavou, Vilisi Tivalele, Jade Coates, Evivi Senikarivi, Ivamere Nabura and Aqela Raitubu.

South Africa will also unveil a debutant, with centre Shiniqwa Lamprecht earning her first Test cap.

Libbie Janse van Rensburg captains the Springboks women for the first time, while experienced forwards Lindelwa Gwala and Aseza Hele return from injury.

Saturday's match kicks off at 2pm (NZT) at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and is part of a double-header featuring the Fiji Secondary Schools Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve quarter-finals.

The second Test will be played next Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka. For more information, click here.

TEAMS

Fijiana: (1-15) Karalaini Naisewa, Bitila Tawake (vc), Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Nunia Daunimoala, Adi Salaseini Railumu, Alfreda Fisher, Kolora Lomani (C), Varanisese Qoro, Repeka Tove, Ruth Raketekete, Merewairta Neivoha, Adi Vani Buleki, Litiana Vueti. Reserves: Selai Naliva, Elesi Saukuru, Keri Lawavou, Vilisi Tivalele, Jade Coates, Evivi Senikarivi, Ivamere Nabura, Aqela Raitubu.

South Africa: (1-15) Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Lindelwa Gwala, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Vainah Ubisi, Nomsa Mokwai, Sizophila Solontsi, Lerato Makua, Aseza Hele, Anacadia Minnaar, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Patience Mokone, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Zintle Mpupha, Maceala Samboya, Byrhandré Dolf. Reserves: Anushka Groenewald, Yonela Ngxingolo, Thandile Mazwi, Catha Jacobs, Sinelitha Noxeke, Nobuhle Mjwara, Felicia Jacobs, and Alichia Arries.