The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team concluded their HSBC Vancouver 7s campaign as runners-up, facing a challenging match against New Zealand in the Women’s Cup final, where they lost 41-7. The early moments of the match proved difficult for Fiji as Ilisapeci Delaiwau received a yellow card mere seconds into the game, giving New Zealand the upper hand right from the start.
New Zealand quickly capitalized on this advantage with Risi Pouri-Lane scoring the first try, followed by Manaia Nuku extending the lead. Despite Delaiwau returning to play early in the fourth minute, Fiji struggled to reclaim their momentum as New Zealand continued to assert their dominance. Additional tries from Stacey Waaka and Jorja Miller before halftime left Fiji trailing 22-0.
The second half saw New Zealand maintain their strong performance, with Michaela Brake adding to their score. Fiji finally got on the scoreboard through Sesenieli Donu in the 11th minute, but New Zealand promptly countered with tries from Maia Davis and Mahina Paul, finalizing the match at 41-7.
Despite falling short in the final, the Fijiana team had previously celebrated a significant achievement by reaching the final, which included a convincing 28-7 victory over Japan in the semifinals. This win was particularly noteworthy as it came after an earlier loss to Japan during the pool stage, demonstrating the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure. Their journey also featured an impressive 46-0 triumph over Brazil, highlighting their growing skill and competitiveness throughout the tournament.
While the final score may be disappointing, the improvements shown by the Fijiana team bode well for the future of women’s rugby in Fiji. Their competitive spirit and the unwavering support from fans signify a bright horizon, as they gear up for future challenges on the international stage. The progress of both the Fijiana and men’s teams reflects the vibrant rugby culture in Fiji, instilling hope and enthusiasm for upcoming competitions.
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