The Vodafone Fijiana XV side fell short in their first Taiyo Semei Japan Rugby Challenge test series match after losing 24-29 against Japan, at Fukuoka last Sunday.

Inoke Male fielded in a team blended with young and experienced players including likes of centre Rusila Naigasau and winger Laisani Moceisawana who displayed solid performance despite the loss.

Co-captain Naigasau was crucial in the breakdown with valuable turnovers, while Moceisawana contained her opposite winger with tight defence avoiding chances of a blowout.

Discipline was the hitch for the Fijiana side as lock Mereoni Nakesa and loose forward Sulita Wasega were flashed with yellow cards.

The Vodafone Fijiana XVs before their training session at Bidesi Park, Suva on August 31, 2023.

Japan started well in the first half with tries to their loose forward Seina Saito, prop Sachiko Kaito and center Kanako Kobayashi; flyhalf Ayasa Atsuka converted two out of three to lead 19 – 0.

Fijiana bounced back with tries to flanker Teresia Tinanivalu, halfback Evivi Senikarivi, wing Adita Milinia and centre Merewairita Naivosa.

Fullback Luisa Tisolo managed to convert two out of four to tally Fiji’s 24 points.

Japan sealed the win with winger Misaki Matsumura scoring a brace, Atsuka missing both conversions for the final 24 – 29 score.

The two sides will meet for the final test at the Prince Chichibu Memorial rugby ground, Tokyo on Sunday.

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