The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team finished their HSBC Vancouver 7s campaign as runners-up after experiencing a tough match against New Zealand, losing 41-7 in the Women’s Cup final. The match started poorly for Fiji, as Ilisapeci Delaiwau received a yellow card just seconds into the game, an early setback that allowed New Zealand to take immediate advantage.
Risi Pouri-Lane opened the scoring for New Zealand, swiftly followed by Manaia Nuku, who further extended the lead. Although Delaiwau returned to the field in the fourth minute, Fiji struggled to regain their footing as New Zealand continued to dominate. Stacey Waaka and Jorja Miller added more tries before halftime, pushing the score to 22-0 at the break.
In the second half, the New Zealand team maintained their commanding performance, with Michaela Brake scoring another try. Although Fiji managed to get on the scoreboard through Sesenieli Donu in the 11th minute, New Zealand quickly countered with tries from Maia Davis and Mahina Paul, sealing the game at 41-7.
This result comes soon after the Fijiana team marked a significant milestone by reaching the final, having previously defeated Japan 28-7 in the semifinals. This win followed an earlier loss to Japan in the pool stage, highlighting the team’s resilience and their ability to recover under pressure. The Fijiana’s journey to the final included a remarkable 46-0 victory over Brazil, showcasing their growth and skill throughout the tournament.
Despite the disappointing final result, the Fijiana team’s improved performances signal a hopeful outlook for the future of women’s rugby in Fiji. Their competitive spirit and strong support from fans suggest that further successes are possible as they continue to develop on the international stage. The progression of both Fijiana and the men’s teams in the tournament reflects a vibrant rugby culture in Fiji that inspires optimism for upcoming competitions.
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