The Vodafone Fijiana XV team delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong China, securing a commanding 38-3 victory in their opening match, setting the stage for their upcoming WXV3 match against Samoa on October 12 in Dubai.
Coach Mosese Rauluni acknowledged that his team was somewhat sluggish in the first half, giving away possession and penalties, but managed to improve in the second half despite minor errors. He expressed satisfaction with the result, especially following their previous Test match losses to Scotland and the Netherlands.
“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 improved physicality in ball carries and defense for the match against Samoa.
Captain Karalaini Naisewa, who scored two tries, praised the team’s performance and noted that similar weather conditions in Dubai would work to their advantage. She acknowledged the challenge Samoa presents and stressed the importance of coming out strong.
Naisewa also highlighted the necessity for players to enhance their fitness levels ahead of their next match. Fiji’s scoring began with prop Anasimeci Korovata breaking through the Hong Kong China defense to score the first try, followed by a second try from sevens star Kolora Lomani. Hong Kong China responded with a penalty from Fung Hoi Ching, bringing the score to 10-3.
Naisewa then capitalized on a maul to extend Fiji’s lead to 17-3. Subsequent tries by winger Repeka Tove and flanker Sulita Waisega, along with successful conversions from Luisa Tisolo, increased Fiji’s lead to 31-3. Naisewa capped the match with her second try, concluding the game with a final score of 38-3.
In addition, the national under-18 schoolboys team recently achieved a 26-14 victory over Australia in their first match at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. They are set to play their second match at 3 p.m. tomorrow.