The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team had a tough start to their Vancouver 7s campaign, suffering a narrow 19-14 defeat against Japan in their opening match. The team initially showcased their skills and determination; Lavena Cavuru’s remarkable footwork led her to score the first try, giving Fiji an early advantage. She followed up with another try, extending their lead to 14-0 by halftime.
As the second half commenced, the dynamics of the match shifted drastically. A yellow card issued to Reapi Ulunisau early in the half put Fiji at a disadvantage, and Japan swiftly took advantage by scoring in the corner. Fiji’s situation worsened when Sera Bolatini also received a yellow card due to a high tackle, leaving the Fijiana team with just five players on the field. Japan capitalized on this opportunity, scoring two additional tries to secure a 19-14 lead that they maintained until the end of the match.
This defeat underscores a significant challenge for the Fijiana team, which has struggled with discipline in recent tournaments. A similar pattern emerged during their narrow loss to Canada at the Perth 7s, where disciplinary issues proved costly. The recurring yellow cards highlight the importance of greater control and strategic execution as they continue in the competition.
Despite this setback, there is optimism for the Fijiana 7s team. Their resilience and flashes of brilliance indicate considerable potential for improvement as they prepare to face formidable opponents in upcoming matches. Supporters and fans remain hopeful that the team can regroup, learn from their experiences, and demonstrate their full capabilities in future games.
With a strong sense of community backing them, the Fijiana 7s are determined to elevate their performance and strive for success in the tournament, reminding everyone of the strength that unity brings.
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