Fijiana XVs on track for World Cup
It’s just one game at a time, as we try and first win this competition to qualify for the World Cup so we are treating every game as a final so first things first as we look forward to all the upcoming games
Friday 24 May 2024 | 22:00
Vodafone Fijiana XVs (from left) flanker Sulita Waisega and lock Doreen Narokete in their dressing room before facing Tonga on May 24, 2024. Photo: Oceania Rugby
The Oceania Rugby Women’s Championships commenced with a thrilling display of athleticism as the Vodafone Fijiana XVs thrashed Tonga 48-3 at the Sunnybank Rugby Union club ground in Brisbane, Australia, on Friday night.
The Fijiana XVs scored eight tries in their big win.
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Fiji's dominant performance set a high standard for the tournament, showcasing their skill and determination to secure a place in the 2025 World Rugby Cup.
Fijiana XVs captain, Karalaini Naisewa said they were excited about the game they played.
“It’s not the game plan we had, but we will try and come out next week at a higher level,” the burly No.8 said.
“We would like to improve on our game plan and our structure and also to keep dominating with our defence.
“It’s just one game at a time, as we try and first win this competition to qualify for the World Cup so we are treating every game as a final so first things first as we look forward to all the upcoming games,” she said.
Tongan captain, Vineta Teutau said it was a tough match but is confident of doing well in their remaining matches.
“We are really grateful to be given this opportunity to play for the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship. It’s definitely a fitness game against Fiji but they’re pretty quick compared to our girls.
“It’s a good start for us as most of us are debutants for Tonga and I’m just really proud for each and everyone of them for taking on this game against the Fijiana,” Teutau said.
“We definitely will look back at the game and see what we can learn, the mistakes and what we can work on and just work of that.”
Meanwhile, the second match of round one between Samoa and Papua New Guinea was cancelled due to travel issues. This prevented the Papua New Guinea team from arriving on time.
Looking ahead to the second round, Fiji will face Papua New Guinea, and Samoa will take on Tonga.
Fiji will aim to continue their winning streak, while Tonga will look to bounce back and make a strong statement against Samoa.
The second round matches are scheduled as follows on May 29.
- Fiji v Papua New Guinea at 7:30pm (Fiji time)
- Samoa vs. Tonga at 9pm
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