The Vodafone Fijiana XV team delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, winning 38-3 in their opening match of the WXV3 tournament. The match took place early yesterday morning, Fiji time, and sets the stage for their upcoming game against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai.
Head coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged that the team was somewhat sluggish in the first half, allowing their opponents to gain possession and accrue penalties. However, he noted that they managed to capitalize more in the second half, despite still encountering a few mistakes that increased their pressure.
Rauluni expressed satisfaction with the victory following recent losses to Scotland (15-59) and the Netherlands (10-12), stating that the win bolstered the players’ confidence as they prepare for the challenging match against Samoa. He emphasized the importance of strong set-pieces and improved physicality in ball carries and defense for the upcoming game.
Captain Karalaini Naisewa, who scored two tries in the match, praised the team’s performance and mentioned that the weather conditions in Dubai are similar to those in Fiji, which might work to their advantage. Naisewa recognized that Samoa would be a tough opponent and that the players need to enhance their fitness levels to secure victory.
The scoring began with prop Anasimeci Korovata breaking through the Hong Kong China defense for a try, followed by Luisa Tisolo’s missed conversion. Sevens star Kolora Lomani then added a second try, also without a successful conversion, bringing the score to 10-0. Hong Kong China responded with a penalty from fly half Fung Hoi Ching, narrowing the gap to 10-3.
Naisewa added another try from a maul, with Tisolo converting to extend the lead to 17-3. Winger Repeka Tove then scored Fiji’s fourth try in the corner, followed by a successful conversion from Tisolo, making it 24-3. Flanker Sulita Waisega added to the score with another try, converted by Tisolo, bringing the total to 31-3. Naisewa sealed the match with her second try, and Tisolo’s conversion finalized the score 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, last Saturday. Their next match is scheduled for 3 p.m. tomorrow.