The Vodafone Fijiana XV team delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, winning 38-3 in their opening match of the WXV3 tournament. This sets the stage for their next match against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai.
Coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged that the team was slow in the first half, allowing their opponents plenty of possession and conceding penalties. However, he noted an improvement in the second half, even though minor errors continued to create pressure.
Rauluni expressed satisfaction with the victory, especially following recent back-to-back losses to Scotland and the Netherlands. He emphasized that the win boosted the players’ confidence ahead of the challenging match against Samoa. He highlighted the need for strong set-pieces and improved physicality in both ball carrying and defense.
Captain Karalaini Naisewa reflected positively on the performance, emphasizing the need to rectify errors before facing Samoa. She mentioned that the weather conditions in Dubai are similar to those in Fiji and expressed that the team aims to come out strong against Samoa. Naisewa also stated that the players must enhance their fitness levels to secure a win in their next encounter.
In the match against Hong Kong China, prop Anasimeci Korovata scored a try, taking Fiji to an early lead of 5-0, although Luisa Tisolo missed the conversion. Speedster Kolora Lomani followed with another try, extending the lead to 10-0 before Hong Kong China’s Fung Hoi Ching scored a penalty, making it 10-3.
Naisewa scored from a maul, with Tisolo successfully converting the kick for a 17-3 lead. Winger Repeka Tove added another try, bringing the score to 24-3 after Tisolo’s conversion. Flanker Sulita Waisega then dived over for a try, with Tisolo again converting, making it 31-3. Naisewa capped off the match with her second try, and Tisolo added the final points for a comprehensive 38-3 victory.
In another development, the national under-18 schoolboys’ team secured a 26-14 win against Australia in their first match at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, last Saturday. Their next match is scheduled for 3 PM tomorrow.