The Vodafone Fijiana XV rugby team posted an impressive 38-3 victory over Hong Kong China in their opening match of the WXV3 tournament, setting them up for their next challenge against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai. Head coach Mosese Rauluni noted that while the team struggled with possession and penalties in the first half, they managed to perform better after halftime despite some errors that added pressure.
Rauluni expressed satisfaction with the win, especially following losses to Scotland and the Netherlands in recent tests, highlighting the boost in confidence it provided the players. He emphasized the need for strong set pieces and improved physicality against Samoa in their upcoming match.
Team captain Karalaini Naisewa, who scored twice, praised the team’s performance and reflected on the familiar weather conditions in Dubai, which are akin to those in Fiji. She acknowledged the challenge of facing Samoa and emphasized the importance of enhancing their fitness levels ahead of the match.
Fiji’s scoring began with prop Anasimeci Korovata breaking through the Hong Kong China defense for the first try, followed by a try from sevens player Kolora Lomani. Although Luisa Tisolo missed two conversions, Hong Kong’s fly-half Fung Hoi Ching kicked a penalty to bring the score to 10-3. Naisewa added another try, setting the score to 17-3 with Tisolo’s conversion. Fiji continued to dominate with additional tries from winger Repeka Tove and flanker Sulita Waisega, and Naisewa’s second try capped off the match, concluding with a final score of 38-3.
In other news, the national under-18 schoolboys team triumphed over Australia with a score of 26-14 in their first match at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka last Saturday. Their next match is scheduled for 3 PM tomorrow.