Team Fiji women’s sevens head coach Iliesa Tanivula calls for more development of women rugby in the country.

He said the areas of focus are on their skills and knowledge of the game. This was after Fijiana finished 5th at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, yesterday as they thrashed Kenya 40-5.

“This was okay, it’s about getting up for those medals, we missed out but the girls did well. We pushed ourselves,” the former Auckland Blues winger said.

“In Fiji the women’s rugby is a minority sport, we can’t compare ourselves to the boys. For development, the boy’s competition starts from kaji level but none for the girls and we need to have that. But we are punching above our weight.

Team Fijian women’s sevens winger Lavenia Tinai attacks against Kenya at the Robina Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia on April 15, 2018. Fiji won 40-5 to claim fifth spot.
Photo: Anasilini Ratuva

“It’s good the women’s category is now introduced in this year’s Skipper Cup competition as we need skilful players who have knowledge in rugby. We need to see the girls competing for places like the men.”

Tanivula said at the moment he has 10 core players who can adapt to the code.

Against Kenya they dominated every aspect of the game as they crossed over five times.

Impressive Miriama Naiobasali and Timaima Ravisa scored two tries each while the other tries came from Rusila Nagasau and Viniana Riwai. Fiji led 26-0 at halftime.

Team Fiji women’s rugby prop Priscilia Siata scores a try against South Africa at the Robina Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia on April 15, 2018. Photo: Anasilini Ratuva

NZ EXECUTES RIO REVENGE

Meanwhile, New Zealand won the women’s gold medal after pipping Australia 17-12 in extra time.

The Kiwis got their revenge 18 months after their loss at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The trans-Tasman rivals couldn’t be separated at full time with both teams locked at 12-12 in front of a packed house at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast.

It took until the end of the first passage of extra time for New Zealand to claim a 17-12 victory, with Kelly Brazier producing a length of the field effort to score.

Her matchwinning try came just moments after Kiwi Niall Williams, the sister of All Black Sonny Bill Williams, produced a miraculous tackle to deny Evania Pelite from scoring.

England took bronze with a 24-19 win over Canada.

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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