Kazakhstan vs Fiji – WXV 3 2023 Match Preview

Kazakhstan will conclude their WXV 3 2023 campaign against a tough Fiji side at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on 27 October.

This is the first time that the Fijiana and the Kazakhstan Nomads have played a women’s international XV game and both are safe from relegation from WXV 3 2024. The Pacific islanders are currently in third place with the Kazakhs in fourth, so the winner on Friday will have bragging rights as both teams enter the final round with a win and a loss each.

Regional qualifiers in 2024 will decide the new potential team to enter the WXV 3 mix, as Kenya and Colombia battle it out to avoid the drop from WXV – the team that loses their encounter on Friday will face a play-off to retain their region’s place in WXV 3 in 2024.

Kazakhstan head coach Makhabbat Tugambekova has made one personnel change to their starting line-up with Svetlana Malezhina coming into the back row to earn her first test start.

The Fijians have two of the top five ball carriers in WXV 3 and will be a huge physical threat to the Kazakhs, who themselves usually adopt a physical confrontational style within Asia. The Fijiana team also comprise two of the best offloaders in the 2023 competition and two players who have made the most meters in WXV 2023. Adita Millinia is level with three other players for most line-breaks (4) in WXV 3 2023 and is a clear first for tackle breaks (18).

Fiji head coach Inoke Male has made eight personnel changes to the team’s final match at WXV 2023, with only five players retaining their starting spots from their last match which was a defeat to Spain.  Mary Lala Jane Kanace could make her Fijiana debut if she comes off the bench in this fixture.

Amelia Luciano (USA) is the match referee.

Match Permutations – WXV 3 Kazakhstan vs Fiji

• If they win, Kazakhstan will climb above Hong Kong China to become the second-highest ranked team from Asia in 17th place
• A loss by more than 15 points for Fiji, would see them drop one place to 20th.
• But a win for Fijiana would see them climb above Kazakhstan into 18th place (and Hong Kong China if the margin is by more than 15 points.) This would also Kazakhstan to drop two places to 20th.

Kazakhstan Squad – Kazakhstan vs Fiji – WXV 3 2023 Friday 27th October 2023

1. Tatyana Dadajanova
2. Moldir Askhat
3. Natalya Kamendrovskaya
4. Anna Chebotar
5. Karina Sazontova (captain)
6. Tatyana Kruchinkina
7. Svetlana Malezhina
8. Symbat Zhamankulova
9. Daiana Kazibekova
10. Kundyzay Baktybayeva
11. Liliya Kibisheva
12. Lyudmila Ivanova
13. Yeva Bekker
14. Darya Tkachyova
15. Gulim Bakytpek

Reserves

16. Karina Tankisheva
17. Balzhan Akhbayeva
18. Yelena Yurova
19. Yuliya Oleinikova
20. Anastassiya Yevdokmiova
21. Irina Balabina
22. Daria Kuznetsova
23. Milana Kotova

Fiji Squad – Kazakhstan vs Fiji – WXV 3 2023 Friday 27th October 2023

1. Salanieta Nabuli
2. Bitila Tawake
3. Ana Korovata
4. Doreen Narokete
5. Mereoni Nakesa
6. Merevesi Ofakimalino
7. Teresia Tinanivalu
8. Sereima Leweniqila (captain)
9. Evivi Senikarivi
10. Salanieta Kinita
11. Adita Milinia
12. Merewai Cumu
13. Merewairita Neivosa
14. Atelaite Ralivanawa
15. Luisa Tisolo

Reserves

16. Unaisi Navue Lalabalavu
17. Loraini Senivutu
18. Karalani Naisewa
19. Nunia Delaimoala
20. Adi Fulori Rotagavira
21. Wainikiti Vosadrau
22. Rusila Nagasau
23. Mary Lala Jane Kanace

WXV 2023 News

• Kazakhstan and Japan Win Respective Second Round WXV 2023 Matches.
• Japan vs Scotland – WXV 2 2023 Match Preview.
• WXV 2023 Complete Guide.
• WXV 3 Team Guide – Kazakhstan Nomads Challenging For The Title In Dubai?