The Vodafone Fijiana XV faced a narrow defeat against Spain, losing 8-10 in an intense match at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai yesterday.
The Fijiana took an early lead with a penalty kick by fullback Luisa Tisolo, making the score 3-0. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Adita Milinia scored a last-minute try, leveling the score. Unfortunately for the Fijiana, Tisolo’s conversion attempt missed the mark, sealing the win for Spain.
This match concluded the Fijiana’s participation in the WXV3 series, following a significant 38-3 victory over Hong Kong China and a 17-45 loss to Samoa in previous games. The Fijiana would have clinched the WXV3 series title, but their hopes were dashed by Samoa’s 46-15 win over Madagascar, which also earned Samoa a spot in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
The match held special significance as it was the final game for head coach Mosese Rauluni. The team aimed to give him a memorable farewell with a victory, but despite their strong performance, they fell just two points short.
As the Fijiana conclude their WXV3 campaign, they have already secured their place in the World Cup by defeating Samoa 27-13 in the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship final earlier this year. Meanwhile, both Samoa and Spain will also advance to the World Cup next August.