Canada ran in six tries to overwhelm Fiji 65-7 in their Women’s Rugby World Cup opener, a result that underlines both the gap to elite opposition and Fiji’s ongoing growth under Ioan Cunningham.
The North Americans seized control early, building a 24-0 lead by the 28th minute after crossing four times. Full-back Julia Schell was particularly prolific, crossing for six tries in the game as Canada’s power and pace proved decisive throughout.
Fiji’s try came in the second half when Kolora Lomani finished off a sweeping counterattack that began with Josifini Neihamu’s strong break and was finished by a deft Alfreda Fisher pass, a moment Cunningham called “arguably the try of the game.” Despite that bright moment, discipline and execution remained issues for the Fijiana, with Bulou Vasuturaga’s late red card compounding their struggles.
Post-match, Cunningham spoke with pride about the groundwork his squad is laying. “I am extremely proud of the players. We showed what we can do with the try we scored,” he said, adding that Fiji needed to convert more moments into consistent performances and that the team must learn quickly. “Massive thank you to York—the welcome and support were excellent. We look forward to moving to Manchester next week.”
Captain Alfreda Fisher acknowledged the setback but stressed it would serve as a lesson. “Discipline let us down, but we will respond,” she said, naming Scotland as the next challenge followed by Wales in their pool.
Canada had already secured a bonus-point lead by the 28th minute and finished strong to reaffirm their status among the world’s elite. Fiji will now shift focus to their second pool match, against Scotland, in Manchester.
Context around Fiji’s campaign points to a deliberate blend of Fiji’s sevens pace with a tightened 15s structure. Coach Cunningham has emphasized improving game management, momentum control, and a sharper kicking game to complement Fiji’s natural attacking flair. The squad, which includes a mix of Drua players, sevens veterans, and overseas talents, is built for depth and 80-minute resilience as Fiji chase credible results against top-tier opposition in Pool B.
What this means going forward
– Fiji will aim to translate the elements that showed promise in patches into full-game consistency, particularly in defense and discipline.
– The sevens-to-15s integration remains a key theme as Cunningham looks to sustain pace while sharpening structure.
– The next matchup against Scotland offers another stiff test, with Wales to follow, as Fiji continues to pursue a breakthrough performance on rugby’s biggest stage.
Bottom line: While the scoreline doesn’t reflect Fiji’s current level against a world-class Canada, the performance reinforces a growth trajectory. With continued development, depth, and a clearer plan, the Fijiana remain an emerging force in women’s rugby and a story of ambition for the Pacific region.
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