The Vodafone Fijiana XV successfully defended their Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship crown with a dominant 60-7 victory over Samoa Women XV at 4R Stadium, Govind Park yesterday, underlining their status as the region’s leading side.
Fiji set the tone early with sustained pressure and sharp ball control, running in four first-half tries through Manuqalo Komaitai, Merewarita Neivoha, Tiana Robanakadavu and Aqela Raitubu. Fullback Litiana Vueti was accurate with the boot, slotting two penalties and a conversion to help the home side take a commanding 27-0 lead into the interval.
The Fijiana showed no signs of letting up after halftime. Raitubu crossed again in the opening stages of the second half, with Vueti adding the extras, before Vika Nakacia sliced through Samoa’s defence to touch down for what became Fiji’s sixth try, again converted by Vueti. The match briefly swung in Samoa’s favour when Robanakadavu was sin-binned, reducing Fiji to 14 players and allowing the visitors to capitalise—Machiko Fepuleai crashed over and Harmony Vatau converted to register Samoa’s only points.
Fiji quickly reasserted control. Sulita Waisega added one of the late scores, Raitubu completed a hat-trick to underline her finishing threat, and Komaitai powered over for a second try as the Fijiana closed out the rout. Vueti’s continued accuracy with conversions rounded off an impressive individual kicking performance that contributed heavily to the margin.
Captain Alfreda Fisher praised the squad’s effort and thanked supporters who packed Govind Park. “Thank you to the fans for coming out in numbers. Good job to our girls, it was a great effort,” Fisher said after the match, reflecting a balance of teamwork and crowd-driven momentum that buoyed the champions throughout the contest.
The victory not only hands Fiji another Oceania title but cements their position as the top women’s rugby side in the region. The comprehensive win showcased Fiji’s depth in attack, reliable goalkicking and an ability to weather a temporary disciplinary setback—qualities that will be important as the team looks ahead to further international fixtures.