Editorial: Humiliating defeat means time to review and make amends
The first-Test loss should prompt a serious review of preparation, player development and selection ahead of Saturday’s second Test.
Monday 10 August 2026 | 12:30
Part of the rugby action between the Springbok women and Vodafone Fijiana during their first test match in the Ubuntu-Bula Test Series, 2026, at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on August 8. South Africa won 55-12.
Photo: Leon Lord
The Fijiana XV players need to do a lot of soul-searching in the next few days before they face South Africa in the second Test at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Saturday.
The 12-55 thrashing at the hands of South Africa in the first Test in Suva last Saturday does not mean the Kolora Lomani-captained side cannot bounce back and level the series.
Nothing is impossible, provided the Fijiana XV players learn from their mistakes, work on their discipline, improve their defence and prepare mentally for the task ahead.
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More importantly, the players need to work together as a unit and not rely on individual brilliance.
The Springbok Women showed us how it should be done. Their forwards worked together to outmuscle our women and repeatedly powered their way over the try-line.
Simply put, our women were clueless and lost for most of the match.
The blame, however, cannot fall directly on Fijiana XV head coach Willie Walker, who was officially appointed only days before the kick-off. By now, Walker should have a fair idea of the areas that need attention.
It was not the start he would have expected, and neither was it what the Fijiana XV sponsors and supporters had hoped for.
For the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), however, the humiliating scoreline should serve as a warning and prompt a review of player performance and the selection process.
Are these players getting sufficient game time? Are they playing regularly in the Marama Cup or Ranadi Cup competitions? If not, why are they being selected?
We must learn from the All Blacks. When top players such as Fabian Holland or Richie Mo’unga return from injury or from playing in Japan, they are expected to play for their clubs before being considered for All Blacks selection.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of our Fijiana XV players.
That is why there is a need to review the selection process and ensure all women players are treated fairly when it comes to national selection, whether in sevens or XVs.
Selection must be based on merit, not reputation.
The team must also produce the much-needed result — a win.
This is a must if women’s rugby in the country is to move to the next level.
