The Vodafone Fijiana XV team delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, winning 38-3 in their opening match, which sets the stage for their upcoming WXV3 clash against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai.
Coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged that the team struggled in the first half, allowing their opponents too much possession and conceding penalties. However, he noted that they improved slightly in the second half, despite still making small errors that created pressure. Rauluni expressed satisfaction with the outcome against Hong Kong China, especially after recent losses to Scotland (15-59) and the Netherlands (10-12).
“The win has boosted the players’ confidence as we prepare for a challenging match against Samoa in two weeks,” he said. “We will need to improve our set-pieces, physicality in ball carries, and defense to compete effectively.”
Captain and double try scorer Karalaini Naisewa reflected positively on their performance. “The weather conditions in Dubai are similar to those at home, and we aim to rectify our mistakes next week,” she stated. “Samoa will be a tough opponent, and we’ll need to come out strong.”
Naisewa emphasized the necessity for players to enhance their fitness ahead of the next match. Fiji’s first try was scored by prop Anasimeci Korovata, who broke through the Hong Kong defense for a 5-0 lead, although Luisa Tisolo missed the conversion. Sevens star Kolora Lomani then added a second try with another missed conversion, extending the lead to 10-0.
Hong Kong China fly-half Fung Hoi Ching managed to score a penalty, bringing the score to 10-3. Naisewa added to Fiji’s tally with a try from a maul, successfully converted by Tisolo, to make it 17-3. Winger Repeka Tove then crossed the line for Fiji’s fourth try, with Tisolo converting to increase the lead to 24-3. Flanker Sulita Waisega scored another try, followed by another successful conversion from Tisolo, making it 31-3. Naisewa capped off the scoring with her second try, and Tisolo’s final conversion led to the decisive 38-3 score.
In other news, the national under-18 schoolboys team achieved a 26-14 victory over Australia in their first match at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last Saturday. Their next match is scheduled for 3 PM tomorrow.