Fijiana faced a challenging start at the HSBC SVNS Series in Perth, Australia, suffering a narrow defeat to Canada with a score of 14-12 after previously losing to the USA 21-19. Despite the results, the Lavena Cavuru-led team showcased remarkable determination in both matches.

In the match against Canada, Carrissa Norsten opened the scoring for the Canadians. However, Fijiana quickly responded with impressive back-to-back tries from Ilisapeci Delaiwau and Captain Cavuru, allowing them to take a lead just before halftime. Yet, late-game heroics from veteran Oliva Apps, who scored and converted a try in the final minute, sealed a close victory for Canada.

Earlier, Fijiana’s match against the USA highlighted their competitive spirit, where they initially led but were ultimately edged out in the closing moments. The team’s growth was evident despite these setbacks, notably improving from earlier performances, such as their 31-0 loss to the USA during the HSBC Cape Town 7s.

Fijiana still has a chance to progress to the quarter-finals, provided they win their final pool match against Great Britain and secure a spot as one of the best third-placed teams across the pools. This upcoming match presents an opportunity for Fijiana to harness the lessons learned and display their resilience.

With their passionate play and continuous improvements, fans can remain hopeful for Fijiana’s prospects in the tournament. If they focus on refining their strategies and maintaining discipline, they have the potential to bounce back and make a significant impact in the remaining matches.