The FIJI Water Flying Fijians suffered a 34–21 defeat against France in their recent encounter at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium. The match unfolded with a challenging start for Fiji, who struggled to find their rhythm early on, allowing France to establish a commanding 21–0 lead within the first 20 minutes.
France’s initial scoring spree began with Nicolas Depoortere crossing the try line just six minutes into the game, followed by Julien Marchand’s try in the 15th minute, and team captain Charles Ollivon adding another soon after. All three tries were successfully converted by Thomas Ramos, leaving Fiji in a significant hole right from the onset.
Despite the tough start, Fiji began to regroup. Kalaveti Ravouvou sparked hope for the team with a try in the 28th minute, which was followed closely by Selestino Ravutaumada’s successful finish just before the halftime break. With Simi Kuruvoli converting both attempts, Fiji narrowed the gap to 21–14 at halftime, showcasing their resilience.
The second half saw Fiji continuing its fight back, with Jiuta Wainiqolo scoring early to level the match at 21–21, creating a momentary swing in momentum. However, France responded effectively, regaining control of the match. Ramos scored two penalties in quick succession, extending France’s lead to 27–21, as Fiji struggled to break out of their half.
The game ultimately concluded with France sealing their victory in the 71st minute, when Depoortere scored his second try of the match, solidifying the score at 34–21. While the early deficit proved decisive, Fiji’s spirited effort, particularly in the second half, left a mark as they demonstrated their capability to bounce back against a top-ranked team.
This match not only highlighted the competitive nature of international rugby but also provided Fiji with valuable lessons as they move forward. The resilience they displayed during challenging moments suggests a bright future for the Flying Fijians, as they continue to develop on the world stage and refine their strategies for upcoming challenges, including their preparation for the next Rugby World Cup in 2027.
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