Fiji’s Fijiana XV Ready for World Cup Pool B Opener Against Canada
The Vodafone Fijiana XV are set to kick off their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign in England, a tournament they hope will showcase Fiji’s growing strength on the global stage. Fiji have been drawn in Pool B alongside Canada, Scotland and Wales, a group that features three top-10 nations with Canada currently ranked No. 2 in the world. Fiji sit 14th as they head into the August 22–September 27 event.
Head coach Ioan Cunningham describes the pool as one of the toughest challenges they’ve faced, but one that also offers a clear pathway to prove themselves. “It’s a great challenge for us. It’s a very tough, competitive pool. Canada is ranked number two in the world right now,” he said, stressing that starting strongly against Canada could set the tone for the rest of the tournament. “The first objective is to perform really well, deliver a performance that inspires a nation and makes us proud. If we hit the ground running against Canada, we’ll have a foothold into the rest of the games.”
The Fijiana squad reflects a deliberate blend of Fiji’s sevens speed and 15s structure. The 32-player group combines Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s talents with former Fiji 7s players and overseas-based talents, providing a mix of pace, power and discipline. Alfreda Fisher Maria captains the side, leading a pack that includes a mix of experienced figures and rising talents. The squad also features key returnees and a balance of depth across the backs and forwards, underscoring Fiji’s aim to sustain pressure for 80 minutes against elite opposition.
Fiji’s build-up has been productive, highlighted by a 34-12 scrimmage win over Manusina Samoa and a series of competitive outings that included testing against the USA and other northern-hemisphere-style opponents. The camp has been characterized by healthy internal competition, with a large pool of players vying for the final 32 and several sevens stars integrating into 15s duties to sharpen speed, decision-making and attack options.
What to watch for as Fiji confronts their Group B rivals:
– Sevens-to-15s transition: Expect rapid ball movement and pace on the backline, with players bringing quick transitions and counter-attacking threats.
– Set-piece and discipline: Against top-tier packs, scrum and lineout stability, plus efficiency in exit plays, will be decisive.
– Leadership and cohesion: A squad built on depth and leadership aims to maintain composure and decision-making under pressure across 80 minutes.
– Tactical balance: Fiji is aiming to fuse its natural flair with a more structured kicking game and improved defensive organization to manage territory and tempo.
Context and outlook
Fiji’s preparation emphasizes a balanced approach: keep the traditional wide, fast-running game while tightening fundamental areas such as selection discipline, set-piece execution and field position management. With three top-10 opponents in Pool B, the team will need to execute clean ball and sustain pressure to unlock their attacking potential. If Fiji marries speed with improved structure, there is genuine potential to trouble higher-ranked teams and perhaps pull off upsets, while also serving as an inspiring pathway for aspiring women players back home.
Summary
– Fiji open their World Cup campaign on August 24 against Canada in Pool B, which also includes Scotland and Wales.
– The 32-player squad is captained by Alfreda Fisher Maria and blends Fiji 7s stars with Drua and overseas-based players.
– Preparation has included a 34-12 win over Manusina Samoa and a sequence of tested matchups against the USA and others.
– The team aims to balance Fiji’s pace with improved discipline, set-piece stability and smart game management.
– There is optimism that the strongest Fiji group yet can challenge top-tier opposition and inspire a new generation of women’s rugby players in Fiji.
A hopeful note
This Fijiana group arrives in England with momentum, depth and a clear identity. If they execute their plan, they can deliver exciting rugby, threaten higher-ranked teams and continue to elevate the profile of women’s rugby in Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
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