Fijiana Suffers Shock Defeat To Spain In Dubai

A ploy to rest their key players backfired for the Vodafone Fijiana XVs side as they went down 26-19 to Spain at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai early this morning (Fiji time).

Spain leads the WXV 3 standings with two thirds of the second round played, following an intriguing action to cause an upset win.

Both teams scored three tries each but ultimately 11 points from the boot of full-back Amalia Argudo proved decisive in Spain’s win. 

A brace from 18-year-old Claudia Peña Hidalgo saw Spain move to the top of the WXV3 standings.

A late try from Atelaite Ralivanawa set up a thrilling last five minutes, but the reliable boot of Argudo was the difference in a game where the momentum swung back and forth, the lead changing hands five times in a frantic opening 40.

Fiji physically imposed themselves in defence in the early stages but a penalty, slotted from in front of the posts by Argudo, put Spain ahead after three minutes.

That lead remained for just a few moments, however, as full-back Luisa Tisolo, star of last week’s victory over Colombia, powered through a Spanish defensive hole, arching towards the corner before offloading to Adita Milinia, who touched down to move Fiji two points ahead.

Argudo nudged Spain back in front with another penalty as Spain hunted for a try of their own, but good attacking shape was let down by poor handling out wide. Settling for a third penalty, Las Leonas led 9-5 after 23 minutes.

Fiji’s discipline was tested as Spain continued to attack but, against the run of play, the Pacific islanders grappled the lead back. Captain Sereima Leweniqila’s skillful offload released Vani Arei down the right, dotting down to add to last week’s brace.

But an action filled first half held one more twist as Peña Hidalgo capitalised on a Fijiana mistake, soaring down the left wing to score and take Spain into the break with a 14-12 lead.

The scoring rates were slowed in the second half as ferocious Fijiana defence kept Spain at bay. However, after 15 minutes camped in the opposition half, a powerful line from Peña Hidalgo broke the deadlock, Argudo’s conversion extending Spain’s lead to nine.

Inaccuracy from both sides made for a largely disjointed second 40, but a yellow card apiece for Spain’s Claudia Pérez Pérez and Fiji’s Merevesi Ofakimalino made for a breathless closing 10 minutes.

Spain were given the chance to put the game to bed, a driving maul finished by replacement Maria Román Mallen with five minutes to go, but Ralivanawa’s try two minutes later had Spain biting their nails. However, a Fiji knock-on enabled Spain to hold on for victory. 

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