The Fiji Airways Fijiana women’s sevens team faced a challenging start to the HSBC Dubai 7s, finishing the pool stages without a win. Competing in Pool A alongside strong teams like Ireland, Australia, and China, the Fijiana were unable to secure victories in any of their matches.
In their opening game, they lost to Ireland with a score of 30-12. Vika Nakacia and Ilisapeci Delaiwau each scored tries for Fiji, with one conversion successfully completed. Their second match against Australia proved even tougher, resulting in a significant 42-7 defeat, with Nakacia managing the team’s only converted try in the fourth minute.
Their final pool match against China was a nail-biter, ending in a narrow 15-14 loss, despite determined efforts from Adimereani Rogosau and Silika Galo, which helped improve the team’s points difference. These three losses led to an early exit from contention for the cup quarter-finals, but the Fijiana will face China again in a ninth-place semi-final playoff.
While the Fijiana’s performance was disappointing, interim coach Timoci Volavola had previously expressed a need for continued support from fans, aware of the team’s struggles over the past year. In contrast, the Fijiana men’s team achieved success, winning all their pool matches in Pool C, demonstrating the potential for improvement within the women’s squad.
Despite the setbacks, this experience provides the Fijiana team valuable lessons and an opportunity for growth moving forward. With the right support and a focus on development, they can aim to turn things around in future competitions.
It’s important to remain optimistic and recognize that every setback can be a stepping stone to future success.
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