The Fiji under-19 netball team faced a significant defeat against the Aotearoa Māori International team, losing 30-70 in their final match held at the FNU Gymnasium on Tuesday night.
Aotearoa dominated possession from the start, capitalizing on turnovers from Fiji, which allowed them to establish a commanding lead of 38-14 by halftime. Throughout the second half, Fiji struggled to retain the ball as their opponents continued to exploit their mistakes, leading to a decisive victory for the Kiwis.
Following the match, Fiji under-19 coach Anasimeci Rakavosa shared her thoughts on the loss. “The Māori team wanted the win more than us; the girls came out strong, but it wasn’t enough,” she stated. Rakavosa emphasized the importance of scoring goals, remarking, “If you don’t put the ball in the net, it doesn’t count.”
She also acknowledged the skill level of the visiting team’s shooters and noted the Māori players’ eagerness to secure a win against Fiji. Despite the defeat, Rakavosa believes the series provided valuable experience for her team, underscoring the need for more exposure to international competition.
“It was a good learning experience for the girls; they need more games like this to prepare for the kind of competition they’ll face at the World Cup,” she concluded.