The Vodafone Fijiana XV team delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, winning 38-3 in their opening match. This victory sets them up for a crucial WXV3 match against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai.
Coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged that the first half was lackluster, as his team allowed their opponents significant possession and conceded numerous penalties. However, he noted an improvement in the second half, despite some mistakes that created pressure on the squad. Rauluni expressed satisfaction with the win, especially following two consecutive losses to Scotland and the Netherlands.
Rauluni emphasized the importance of building confidence ahead of the challenging match against Samoa, highlighting the need for strong set-pieces and enhanced physicality in both ball carries and defense.
Captain Karalaini Naisewa was optimistic about the team’s performance, reflecting on the similar weather conditions in Dubai compared to Fiji. She stressed the need for the team to address their errors in preparation for the upcoming match against Samoa, which she described as tough.
Naisewa also pointed out the importance of raising fitness levels to secure their next victory.
Fiji’s scoring began with prop Anasimeci Korovata, who broke through Hong Kong’s defense to score the opening try, though Luisa Tisolo missed the conversion attempt. Sevens star Kolora Lomani soon followed with a second try, extending Fiji’s lead to 10-0 despite another missed conversion.
Hong Kong China’s fly-half Fung Hoi Ching managed to score a penalty, bringing the score to 10-3. Naisewa then added to Fiji’s tally with a try from a maul, and Tisolo successfully converted, increasing their lead to 17-3.
Winger Repeka Tove scored the team’s fourth try in the corner, followed by a successful conversion from Tisolo, putting Fiji ahead 24-3. Flanker Sulita Waisega added another try, and Tisolo converted again, bringing the score to 31-3. Naisewa capped off the match with her second try from a maul, and Tisolo’s final conversion secured the win at 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. They are scheduled to play their second match tomorrow at 3 PM.