The Fiji Blues overcame a tough challenge from the Dominion Brothers, securing a narrow 10-5 victory in their opening match of the Rooster Chicken Grassroots Sevens Tournament held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
In the first half, the Dominion Brothers showcased strong territorial and possession control but were unable to convert their dominance into points. Two critical errors allowed the Fiji Blues, a squad acting as a shadow national team, to capitalize and score two tries, establishing a 10-0 lead by halftime.
The second half saw a resurgence from the Dominion Brothers, highlighted by a remarkable individual try that narrowed the scoreline. However, the Fiji Blues managed to maintain their advantage, ultimately clinching the win and starting the tournament on a high note.
Head coach Viliame Satala recognized the challenges faced in the opening match but found value in the experience gained. “It was a good opportunity for the boys to sharpen their skills and to play together as a team for the first time,” he remarked. Satala emphasized the importance of reinforcing their defense and communication, particularly when fatigue sets in during later stages of the game. “Our defense will hold if our communication is strong towards the end,” he noted.
On the other side, Dominion Brothers player Bola Joshua expressed regret over the outcome despite their early possession dominance. “We gave away two tries due to poor execution,” he stated. Nonetheless, this close loss has motivated the team to strive for national selection, particularly with many senior players having previously represented Fiji.
Both teams are set to continue their campaigns in Pool A, competing alongside Army Red and Vuna Brothers, adding to the excitement of the tournament. The positive momentum from the Fiji Blues and the determination of the Dominion Brothers promise an engaging competition ahead.
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