The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team faced a challenging defeat against New Zealand in the women’s cup final of the Vancouver 7s, with a final score of 41-7. The Fijiana managed to score only one converted try, which was made by Sesenieli Donu, with Lavena Cavuru completing the conversion. In contrast, New Zealand showcased their prowess by scoring seven tries throughout the match.
The New Zealand try-scorers included Risi Pouri-Lane, Manaia Nuku, Stacey Waaka, Jorja Miller, Michaela Brake, Maia Davis, and Mahina Paul, with Nuku and Davis contributing additional conversions. The match took a toll on Fiji early on, as Ilisapeci Delaiwau received a yellow card during the first half, hampering their performance significantly.
Although the Fijiana team was defeated, their journey to the final represented remarkable growth, particularly with their strong semi-final victory over Japan, where they won 28-7. This marked a significant turnaround after an earlier loss to Japan in the pool stages, showing their resilient spirit and determination to improve.
The silver medal achievement at the Vancouver 7s is a notable milestone for the Fijiana, who have been under transformation, increasing their competitiveness on the international scene, signaling a bright future for women’s rugby in Fiji. Fans remain optimistic as the team continues to build momentum, blending skill and determination amid vibrant community support.
As the Fiji Airways men’s team also faced challenges, their participation alongside the Fijiana in the tournament illustrates the broader potential and excitement surrounding Fijian rugby. The encouragement from fans and the rugby culture is anticipated to contribute positively to both teams’ forthcoming efforts as they strive for further success in future competitions.
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