The Vodafone Fijiana XV team delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, winning 38-3 in their opening match of the WXV3 tournament and setting up a crucial game against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai. Coach Mosese Rauluni noted that while the team struggled with possession and penalties in the first half, they managed to improve in the second half despite some lingering mistakes.
Rauluni expressed satisfaction with the win, especially coming off two tough losses to Scotland and the Netherlands. He emphasized the importance of building confidence before facing Samoa, highlighting the need for improved set-pieces and better physicality in both ball carries and defense.
Captain Karalaini Naisewa, who scored two tries, praised the team’s performance and acknowledged that the weather conditions in Dubai would be similar to those at home. She stressed the need for the players to elevate their fitness to prepare for the upcoming match against Samoa, which she described as a challenging encounter.
In the match against Hong Kong China, prop Anasimeci Korovata opened the scoring with the first try, followed by Kolora Lomani adding another through a well-executed play. Hong Kong China responded with a penalty from fly-half Fung Hoi Ching, but the Fijianas quickly extended their lead with tries from Naisewa, Repeka Tove, and Sulita Waisega, along with successful conversions from Luisa Tisolo, culminating in a commanding win.
In another match, the national under-18 schoolboys team triumphed over Australia with a score of 26-14 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Their next match is scheduled for 3 p.m. tomorrow.