After a fiercely contested match against Fetu Samoa in the Pacific Bowl finals, Shane Morris, assistant head coach of the Fiji Bulikula, expressed deep pride in his team’s performance despite suffering a narrow 12-16 defeat in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday.
In a post-match interview, Morris praised the players for adhering to their game strategy and showcased their determination throughout the contest. He reflected on the team’s perseverance and commitment over the last year, emphasizing how dedicated the girls were to sticking to their plans.
Though they didn’t secure the victory, Morris acknowledged that there were opportunities in the game’s final moments that, if seized, could have led to a different outcome. “We followed our game plan, and I’m really proud of the girls’ efforts over the past year. Even though we didn’t win, we had chances in the last two minutes, but we weren’t able to capitalize on them,” he said.
Morris also highlighted the ongoing development of the team, underscoring their focus on nurturing young talent for the future and supporting pathways in Fiji’s rugby league. He expressed gratitude towards the families and supporters who rallied behind the team, underscoring the importance of unity and teamwork driving their efforts forward.
Team captain Talei Holmes shared insights on the significance of their two-week experience, highlighting the cultural and athletic learning opportunities. “It was a long two weeks filled with cultural learning and important insights on and off the field. We know there’s much to work on for the future,” she noted.
Holmes acknowledged that while the team stayed true to their game plan, the execution needed refinement. She pointed out that the size and strength of the Samoan forwards posed challenges, making the match a tough battle. However, her spirits remained high as she emphasized her pride in representing Fiji and the support from fans at home.
This match, while not yielding the desired victory, provides invaluable experience and learning opportunities for the team as they strive for future success. With young talent on their roster and a strong focus on development, the Fiji Bulikula is well-positioned to grow and improve in subsequent competitions. The journey doesn’t end here; rather, it paves the way for future accomplishments.
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