Fijiana a step closer to RWC 2021 after a sweet victory over Samoa
A spectacular performance from Fiji Airways Fijiana as they got their first win at the Oceania Women’s XVs Championship over Manusia Samoa 26-7.
It wasn’t t a good start from Fiji as Samoa build the momentum early and manage to hold the game play within Fijis 22 throughout the first 14 minutes.
A nice clean break from Fiji’s Elenoa Adinaimata got them out of their 22meter zone right to down to Samoa’s 22 meter line before losing the ball, which was picked up by Samoa’s Apaau Mailau who ran 50 meters down the field with support play from Samoa center running in for their first try.
Fiji manage to gain territory through the strong run from the forwards before Lavenia Tinai ran straight for the try line dotting Fijis first try.
It was a 7 all point game as both teams headed for the half time break.
Fijiana came into the second half with a much more structured play and executed some clinical finish.
A clean break from Lavenia Tinai with a nice offload to Pricilla Siata who run straight to score their second try.
Another swift move came in from Mela Matanatabu as she slick her way through a gap between the defending line running straight through for their third try.
Fiji continue to mount pressure on Samoa in the dying minute within their 22 while Ada Dansey crashes her way through defenders to score the final try of the match.
Fijiana head coach Alifereti Doviverata explained that the girls executed well and followed through their game plans.
“We came here for a win and the girls did just that, they executed our structure well which got us what we wanted today, a win”
Fijiana will go on bye on Tuesday as Tonga has pulled out of the competition due to the suspected measles case.
Fiji will play either PNG or Samoa in the final next Saturday depending on the results from these two teams match next Tuesday, as Samoa will take on Australia A while PNG takes on New Zealand Development.
The winner next Saturday earns a qualification to the 2023 Women’s Rugby World Cup.