The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team encountered a tough defeat against New Zealand in the women’s cup final at the Vancouver 7s, ending with a score of 41-7. The Fijiana managed to score only one try, made by Sesenieli Donu, which was converted by Lavena Cavuru. In contrast, New Zealand demonstrated their strength with seven tries in total, showcasing a dominant performance.
New Zealand’s scoring was distributed among several players, including Risi Pouri-Lane, Manaia Nuku, Stacey Waaka, Jorja Miller, Michaela Brake, Maia Davis, and Mahina Paul, with Nuku and Davis adding conversions. The Fijiana’s challenge intensified when Ilisapeci Delaiwau received a yellow card early in the match, which adversely affected their performance.
Despite the loss in the final, the Fijiana’s journey is commendable, especially following their impressive semi-final win over Japan, where they secured a victory of 28-7. This triumph reflected a dramatic improvement after previously falling to Japan during the pool stages, highlighting the team’s resilience and commitment to growth.
Securing a silver medal at the Vancouver 7s represents a significant achievement for the Fijiana, marking a critical point in their ongoing transformation as they strive to elevate their status in the international rugby arena. This development promises a bright future for women’s rugby in Fiji.
As the Fiji Airways men’s team also faced setbacks in the tournament, their joint participation alongside the Fijiana underscores the overall potential and excitement for Fijian rugby. The unwavering support from fans and the vibrant rugby culture within Fiji are expected to positively influence both teams’ ambitions for greater success in upcoming competitions. Overall, there is a hopeful energy surrounding Fijian rugby, signaling exciting times ahead for both the men’s and women’s teams.
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