The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team faced a challenging match against the New Zealand side in the final of the Vancouver 7s tournament, ultimately finishing the game with a score of 41-7. Despite the defeat, this encounter marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the Fijiana and New Zealand met in a Cup final during the SVNS series.
New Zealand, known for their dominance in women’s sevens rugby, asserted their control early on, with Risi Pouri-Lane scoring the first try just a minute into the match. They continued to build their lead, with three more tries ensuring they ended the first half at 22-0. Although the Fijiana managed to get on the scoreboard with a try from Sesenieli Donu in the 11th minute of the second half, New Zealand countered quickly, sealing their victory with additional scores and finishing with their 39th title.
New Zealand’s captain, Sarah Hirini, expressed pride in her team’s performance, highlighting their strong preparations and ability to adapt under pressure. “We played well as a team… I’m just really proud of the efforts of the girls,” she remarked.
In the lead-up to the final, the Fijiana showcased tremendous resilience, notably overcoming Japan 28-7 in the semifinals, a remarkable turnaround after previously losing to them in the pool stages. Their journey through the tournament also included an impressive 46-0 victory against Brazil, demonstrating their growth and capabilities.
Despite not claiming the title, the Fijiana’s silver medal achievement signals a promising outlook for women’s rugby in Fiji. Their competitive spirit and the strong community support position them for future successes as they continue to develop on the international stage. The evolving landscape of women’s rugby in Fiji is marked by optimism, with fans eagerly anticipating how the team will capitalize on this experience moving forward.
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