The Vodafone Fijiana XV team delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China yesterday morning (Fiji time), winning 38-3 in their opening match. This victory sets a positive tone for their upcoming WXV3 match against Samoa scheduled for October 12 in Dubai.
Coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged that the team was sluggish in the first half, giving away excessive possession and committing penalties. However, he noted an improvement in the second half, despite minor mistakes that created pressure. “The win has boosted the players’ confidence as we prepare for a challenging game against Samoa in two weeks,” Rauluni stated. He emphasized the need for strong set-pieces and better physicality in ball carries and defense.
Captain Karalaini Naisewa, who scored two tries, highlighted the importance of addressing errors ahead of their next match and acknowledged the similarities in weather conditions between Dubai and Fiji. She also expressed the necessity for players to enhance their fitness levels to secure a win against Samoa.
Fiji’s first try came from prop Anasimeci Korovata, providing an initial 5-0 lead, though Luisa Tisolo missed the conversion. Speedster Kolora Lomani followed with a second try, extending the lead to 10-0. Hong Kong China’s fly-half Fung Hoi Ching then scored a penalty, bringing the score to 10-3.
Naisewa added to the scoreboard after a maul, with Tisolo’s successful kick making it 17-3. Winger Repeka Tove contributed with Fiji’s fourth try, which Tisolo converted for a 24-3 advantage. Flanker Sulita Waisega then dived over the line, and Tisolo’s conversion moved the score to 31-3. Naisewa capped off the match with her second try, leading to the final score of 38-3 after Tisolo added another conversion.
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. Their next match is scheduled for 3 PM tomorrow.