The Vodafone Fijiana XV team delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, winning 38-3 in their opening match of the WXV3 tournament. This result paves the way for their upcoming match against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai.
Coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged that the team started sluggishly, granting their opponents too much possession and giving away penalties in the first half. However, he noted that they capitalized on their chances better in the second half, despite some ongoing mistakes that put them under pressure.
Rauluni expressed satisfaction with the victory, especially following their recent setbacks in Test matches against Scotland and the Netherlands. He emphasized that the win boosts the team’s confidence ahead of the challenging encounter with Samoa in two weeks, highlighting the need for improved set-pieces and physicality in both ball carries and defense.
Team captain Karalaini Naisewa, who scored twice during the match, reflected positively on the team’s performance. She noted that the weather conditions in Dubai would be similar to those at home, and the team aims to address their errors in the coming week. Naisewa acknowledged that facing Samoa would be difficult, and the players need to enhance their fitness levels to secure another victory.
The match began with prop Anasimeci Korovata charging through the Hong Kong China defense to score Fiji’s first try, followed by a second try from Kolora Lomani amidst a well-coordinated attack. Although Luisa Tisolo missed the conversions initially, Hong Kong China managed to get on the scoreboard with a penalty kick from Fung Hoi Ching.
Naisewa then scored from a maul, resulting in a successful conversion by Tisolo, giving Fiji a 17-3 lead. Winger Repeka Tove also added a try, followed by another from flanker Sulita Waisega, with Tisolo converting both attempts. Naisewa capped the scoring with her second try, and Tisolo completed the match with a conversion, finalizing the score at 38-3.
Additionally, Fiji’s national under-18 schoolboys team secured a victory against Australia, winning 26-14 in their opener at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. They are set to play their second match tomorrow at 3 PM.