The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team displayed notable development during their recent campaign at the Vancouver 7s, even though they fell short in the Cup final against New Zealand, losing 41-7. This match marked a historic first for the Fijiana in the HSBC SVNS Series as they reached the final after previously struggling in the opening legs of the series.
Fiji Rugby Union’s Women’s High-Performance Manager, Alana Thomas, expressed pride in the team’s journey, highlighting their progress not only in rankings but also in on-field performance. The Fijiana entered the tournament ranked 11th but climbed to 8th with their recent silver medal finish, earning 26 points overall. This improvement reflects their resilience, especially after overcoming two earlier losses in pool stages to Japan and France, but rebounding with a win against Great Britain that paved the way to the semifinals.
Coach Brown emphasized the importance of their ongoing growth, stating, “You could see them grow, develop, and learn from some of the errors they made previously.” The Fijiana’s compelling journey included impressive wins, including a decisive 46-0 victory over Brazil and a 28-7 semifinal win against Japan, showcasing their ability to rise above challenges.
Despite their defeat to New Zealand in the final, the achievement of reaching this stage is a strong indicator of the team’s potential. Their current ranking in the core eight will allow them to maintain eligibility for the series. Thomas emphasized that being in the core means they can aspire to remain competitive in the next two events in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The bright outlook for the Fijiana team is coupled with the support of their fans, who have encouraged their journey thus far. With their growing experience and skills, there is a compelling hope for greater successes in the future of women’s rugby in Fiji.
Overall, the Fijiana’s achievements not only demonstrate their capabilities on the field but also foster optimism for the continuous growth of women’s rugby in the region. Their ongoing development promises an exciting future as they aim to solidify and enhance their standing in forthcoming competitions.
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