The Vodafone Fijiana XV team displayed an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, winning the match 38-3 yesterday morning (Fiji time) and setting the stage for their upcoming WXV3 match against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai.
Coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged that while the team struggled in the first half, allowing their opponents to maintain possession and earn penalties, they managed to perform better in the second half despite a few mistakes that added pressure on them. He expressed satisfaction with the positive outcome, especially after recent losses to Scotland and the Netherlands.
Rauluni emphasized the need for improved set-pieces and physicality in their next challenge against Samoa. Captain Karalaini Naisewa, who scored two tries, echoed these sentiments, noting that the weather conditions in Dubai would be familiar to them and that they would work on rectifying their errors in preparation for the match. She added that the team needs to enhance their fitness levels to secure a win.
The match began with prop Anasimeci Korovata charging through for Fiji’s opening try, followed by a second try from Kolora Lomani. Hong Kong China managed to put points on the board with a penalty from Fung Hoi Ching, but Fiji continued to dominate, scoring multiple tries including Naisewa’s contributions. The final score ended at 38-3 in favor of Fiji.
In other news, the national under-18 schoolboys team achieved a victory over Australia, winning 26-14 in their first match at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka last Saturday, with their next match scheduled for 3pm tomorrow.