The Vodafone Fijiana XV delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, securing a dominant 38-3 victory in their opening match, which sets a positive momentum for their upcoming WXV3 clash with Samoa on October 12 in Dubai.
Head coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged the team’s sluggish start, admitting that they allowed their opponents too much possession and gave away penalties in the first half. He noted an improvement in the second half but recognized the need to minimize mistakes.
Following previous losses to Scotland (15-59) and the Netherlands (10-12), Rauluni expressed satisfaction with the win, as it boosted the players’ confidence ahead of the challenging matchup against Samoa. He emphasized the importance of solid set-pieces and improved physicality for the next game.
Captain Karalaini Naisewa, who scored two tries, reflected positively on the team’s performance and recognized the similarity of Dubai’s weather to that of Fiji. She stressed the need to address their errors before facing Samoa, stating, “Samoa is not an easy game; we’ll try to come out strong.” Naisewa also highlighted the necessity for the players to enhance their fitness levels to secure victory.
In the match against Hong Kong China, prop Anasimeci Korovata scored Fiji’s first try, giving them an early 5-0 lead, though Luisa Tisolo missed the conversion. Speedster Kolora Lomani added a second try, leading to a 10-0 score after another missed conversion. Hong Kong China managed to score a penalty through fly half Fung Hoi Ching, bringing the score to 10-3.
Naisewa then scored from a maul, supported by Tisolo’s successful conversion, extending their lead to 17-3. Winger Repeka Tove added another try, and with Tisolo’s conversion, Fiji led 24-3. Flanker Sulita Waisega also crossed the line for a try, with Tisolo converting to increase the score to 31-3. Naisewa finished the match with her second try from another maul, while Tisolo added a final conversion to secure the 38-3 victory.
In other news, Fiji’s under-18 schoolboys team triumphed over Australia with a score of 26-14 in their first match at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Saturday, and they are scheduled to play their second match tomorrow at 3 PM.