The Fijiana XV endured a stiff start to their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign, falling 65-7 to world No. 2 Canada in York, England. Canada exploded into the game with early scores, Sophie de Goede powering over in the fifth minute, and adds from Gillian Boag, Caroline Crossley, and Alysha Corrigan helping the Red Wave to a 24-0 halftime lead.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Fiji showed patches of resilience. Manuqal o Komaitai made 12 tackles, Mereoni Nakesa produced the team’s most line breaks, and Fiji matched Canada for turnovers won, underscoring their never-say-die approach as the match wore on. Kolora Lomani gave Fiji a spark with a try late in the first half, reducing the gap to 24-7 and signaling that the Fijiana could still threaten at moments.
Canada’s quality eventually told in the second half, with Julia Schell crossing for six tries as the Canadians stretched clear. Veteran Karen Paquin capped the performance with a late score, sealing a commanding 65-7 victory for the world’s No. 2 side.
Looking ahead, Fiji will regroup and shift focus to their next pool game, aiming to translate the glimpses of pace and intent shown in the opener into sustained 80-minute performance. The team now prepares for a test against Scotland, with Wales also in Pool B, as they pursue a credible result against the world’s elite.
Context on Fiji’s World Cup setup points to a deliberate blend of Fiji’s sevens pace with a tightened 15s structure. Head coach Ioan Cunningham has emphasized improving game management, momentum control, and a sharper kicking game to complement Fiji’s attacking flair. The squad, a 32-player mix of Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s players, sevens veterans, and overseas talents, is built for depth and resilience across the full 80 minutes.
What this means going forward
– Fiji will look to convert moments of promise into consistent threats, tightening discipline and defensive organization.
– The sevens-to-15s integration remains central, with an emphasis on sustaining attacking pressure while sharpening decision-making and exit plays.
– The next tests—Scotland and then Wales—will demand versatility, composure, and strategic execution to challenge higher-ranked opposition.
Bottom line: While the scoreline was challenging, the performance showcased Fiji’s growth trajectory. With a deeper squad, clear plans, and a continued blend of speed and structure, the Fijiana remain a developing force in women’s rugby and a hopeful story for the Pacific region as they chase their first standout result on rugby’s biggest stage.
Additional notes and value-adding context
– An immediate talking point will be how Fiji translates early-game pace into consistent defense and ball retention for a full 80 minutes.
– The squad’s balance of Drua players, sevens stars, and overseas-based talent is designed to sustain pressure and provide leadership across the squad.
– If Fiji can tighten set-piece stability and improve game management under pressure, there is real potential to push higher-ranked teams and inspire a new generation of women’s rugby players back home.
Positive take: The Fijiana arrive in England with momentum, depth, and a clear identity. With continued development and execution, they can deliver exciting rugby, challenge stronger nations, and elevate the profile of women’s rugby in Fiji and the wider Pacific.
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