The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team has made notable advancements in the HSBC SVNS Series, achieving their first Cup final of the season during the Vancouver 7s after a challenging start. Their journey has been marked by resilience, overcoming earlier setbacks in the series’ initial legs held in Dubai, Cape Town, and Perth.
Fiji Rugby Women’s High-Performance Manager Alana Thomas praised the team’s significant progress, especially given that many players are relatively new to the circuit. Thomas highlighted, “Back in December, we had nine new players in Dubai, with only three possessing previous 7s experience. Fast forward three months, and we’ve reached the HSBC 7s final. This success is a credit to the players and staff who have made it possible.”
During the Vancouver tournament, the Fijiana demonstrated their ability to recover after a loss to Japan in the pool stage. They put on an impressive display in the semifinals, triumphing over Japan with a score of 28-7, showcasing standout performances from players like Adita Milinia and Sesenieli Donu. This victory followed a commanding 46-0 win against Brazil in the quarterfinals, reaffirming their development and promise.
In the final against New Zealand, the Fijiana faced fierce competition, ultimately ending the match with a score of 41-7. Despite this loss, it was a historic encounter as it marked the first Cup final featuring both teams in the series’ history. The determination and strong performances exhibited by the Fijiana throughout the tournament foreshadow a bright future for women’s rugby in Fiji.
This achievement highlights their perseverance and generates hope for future successes, particularly as they strive for Olympic qualification and continue to evolve on the international stage. The steadfast support from their fans and local community plays an integral role in their journey, solidifying the importance of collective encouragement in sports.
Overall, the Fijiana’s journey in the Vancouver 7s underscores the potential of women’s rugby in Fiji and inspires optimism for upcoming competitions, representing a significant milestone in their sporting achievements.
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