Australia Thumps Fiji Girls
It’s back to the basics for the Fijian Secondary Schools Under-18 girls’ rugby league side after they were beaten 48-0 by a well-structured Australian school girls’ team at Albert Park, Suva on Friday.
Speaking to SUNsports, Fijian coach Amanda Dokonivalu said there was a need for development to grow the game.
“We have picked up a lot of things. This is our first international game and it will only grow as we learn. It’s all back to the basics and how to adjust ourselves from attack to defence, that is very important,” she said.
“For us it’s all about staying in the fight and trying to get our sets completed during the game. There’s a lot of room for improvement. We have to learn how to pass, catch and play rugby league. A fast and strong game that will help us in the future. We started well but the Australian girls were strong and smart for us in the way they played rugby league.”
Australia’s school girls head coach Mellisa Spero said the match tested their team’s capability ahead of other matches.
“We are happy with the results but most importantly the girls had fun out there in executing their game plan,” she said.
“We tested our combination and we identified some areas of improvement that we will work on when we return home.
“We tested our skills and game depth and we are happy with what we have achieved so far in the game.
“The Fijian girls were physical and fast so hats off to their team and we wish them the best in the future.”
Meanwhile Australian School boy’s U18 head coach Tim Wykes said the Fijians have the potential to play in the National Rugby League (NRL) competition in Australia.
Wykes made the comment following their first Vuvale Tri-Series which his side won 58-12 at the same venue.
“There are a lot of talent and potential in Fiji and I believe some of these players have the capabilities to make it big,” Wykes said.
“We witnessed some very good players in action, there is no doubt some of them will make it big in the future.
“They showed class and stood up for the test in both their defense and attack.
“In the last quarter they showed good skills and game structure.
“If we have more games like this set up for these kind of talents then there is no doubt some of this players can make it to the NRL.
Fiji School boy’s manager Cabelawa Kotoimagogai said his boys played a good game.
“There was a lot of learning’s from this match.”
Story By: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
