The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team displayed remarkable resilience at the Hong Kong 7s tournament, securing a 19-7 victory over the United States to clinch fifth place in the competition. This win came as a much-needed response following a challenging quarter-final loss to Canada.
Winning captain Ilisapeci Delaiwau expressed her joy after the match, stating, “We feel great, we feel awesome.” She emphasized the team’s mindset as they faced the USA, viewing them as equals, which contributed to their performance on the field. Delaiwau praised her teammates for their dedication, acknowledging that without hard work and faith, such a victory would not have been possible.
The Fijiana entered the match with strong support for each other, having rallied together after their previous loss. Delaiwau recounted the words of head coach Richie Walker, who inspired the team to learn from loss and return stronger the next day. “We worked on that, placed it in our minds and bonded together,” she shared, highlighting how this unity resulted in their success.
In the recent match, Fiji took the lead early with Delaiwau scoring in the fourth minute, setting the tone for the game. Although the USA managed to level the score just before halftime, Fiji controlled the second half, scoring two more tries to secure the win.
This triumph not only bolstered the team’s morale but also reflects their ongoing growth within the international rugby sevens landscape. Having previously displayed strong performances, including a decisive 24-5 defeat of Great Britain earlier in the tournament, the Fijiana has shown their capability to evolve and improve despite facing challenges.
As they look toward future competitions, the Fijiana team stands as a testament to hard work, determination, and the potential for greater achievements in women’s rugby. Fans and supporters remain hopeful for what lies ahead, as the team continues to build on their experiences and strengthen their presence in international rugby.
Leave a comment