France-based and Elite 1 champions flanker Makarita Baleinadogo is on Vodafone Fijiana XVs head coach Ioan Cunningham’s radar ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. He indicated that he is in contact with the Burelevu, Tailevu lass who plays for the Lionesses (Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais) in the French Elite 1 competition. This is equivalent to the men’s Top 14 competition. She is the daughter of former Suva and Flying Fijians centre Daniele Baleinadogo. Asked if Baleinadogo is willing to play for Fiji rather than France, Cunningham said: “It’s to be confirmed but she’s eligible to play for Fiji.” With two months remaining, Cunningham said he would have 90 per cent of his squad next month following their Test match against United States in Audi Field, Washington D.C, on July 20. The Women’s Rugby World Cup will be in England from August 22 to September 27. He said there have been a few interested players from overseas apart from British Army’s Manuqalo Komaitai. However his current focus is the Oceania Championship where they’ll face Manusina (Samoa) tomorrow in their second match. “These two games at the Oceania championship are opportunity for these players to put their hands up and show they want to play at the World Cup. “We are also looking at players who are outside the current group as well the sevens players who are in contention.” Cunningham will make changes to his squad list after the Oceania Championship before the US Test. “It’s been awesome to see some players reach out from other countries who are based in Europe and Australia that want to put their names forward for the World Cup. “We are looking at those players that can add to us to improve and give us the best chance to be successful as possible in the World Cup.” Focus on continuity Meanwhile, Cunningham has named the Fijiana XV Match 23 squad for tomorrow’s Oceania clash against Manusina. The squad features a mix of continuity and exciting new challenges with 17-year-old lock Carletta Yee earning her first call-up after an impressive rise through the ranks. She replaces Asinate Serevi on the bench. Other changes see Manuqalo Noame Komaitai to start at No.8 while veterans Luisa Tisolo, Karalaini Naisewa, Keleni Marawa and Alowesi Nakoci are back in the mix. “Samoa are well-coached and highly physical. They beat us in WXV last year, so this test will be a great benchmark for our World Cup preparations,” Cunningham added. Fijiana XV line-up: 1. Loraini Senivutu, 2. Bitila Tawake, 3. Tiana Robanakadavu, 4. Jade Coates, 5. Mereoni Nakesa, 6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Alfreda Fisher (captain), 8. Manuqalo Noame Komaitai, 9. Setaita Railumu, 10. Salanieta Kinita, 11. Michella’e Stolz, 12. Josifini Neihanu, 13. Ema Adivitaloga, 14. Repeka Tove, 15. Lusiana Tisolo. Reserves: 16. Keleni Marawa, 17. Lavenia Nauga-Grey, 18. Wainikiti Vasuturaga, 19. Carletta Yee, 20. Karalaini Naisewa, 21. Kolora Lomani, 22. Salota Naiolo, 23. Alowesi Nakoci. Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj