The Vodafone Fijiana XV team faced a tough 17-45 defeat against Manusina Samoa during the WXV3 competition held in Dubai yesterday. This loss significantly contrasts with their previous match last month, where they secured a commanding 38-3 victory over Hong Kong China.
Following the match, Fijiana XV coach Mosese Rauluni addressed the media alongside captain Karalaini Naisewa. Rauluni expressed his disappointment, stating, “We lost every physical battle on that field today; Samoa won a lot more than us, and it’s just so disappointing. The effort from some of the girls was just not there.”
Captain Naisewa acknowledged her team’s potential but pointed out the need to improve their defense, indicating that the game did not go as hoped.
On the other hand, Samoa celebrated their victory, with coach Ramsey Tomokino emphasizing the importance of the win. “I felt that we were prepared, and we knew what we needed to do,” he remarked.
Despite the setback, Coach Rauluni remains hopeful as the team prepares to face Spain in their next WXV3 match this coming Sunday. He noted, “We’ve got another week to put this behind us, and congratulations to Samoa for putting their bodies on the line for their country, and that’s something we should probably do too.”
Looking ahead, the Fijiana XV team is also preparing for an upcoming Test match against Scotland next month.