The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team concluded their pool stage at the Singapore 7s with an impressive 34-12 win against Japan, showcasing their resilience despite facing earlier setbacks against Australia and the United States that thwarted their chances for a Cup semi-final spot.
Fiji kicked off the match with tremendous energy, as Alfreda Fisher scored in the first minute, setting a strong tone. Captain Verenaisi Ditavutu led by example, adding two tries in a powerful first half that ended with Fiji enjoying a commanding 17-0 lead.
The second half saw Fiji maintain their momentum with additional tries from Sesenieli Donu, Sera Bolatini, and Mariana Talatoka, illustrating their remarkable speed and effective ball distribution. Japan attempted to fight back, with Ria Anoku and Mei Ohtani managing to score, but Fiji’s dominance throughout the match was clear as they effectively controlled the pace.
Ana Maria Naimasi played a key role in the match, successfully converting pivotal tries to sustain Fiji’s scoring momentum, while Japan’s Michiyo Suda converted one of their late tries. This performance not only provided a strong finish for the Fijiana squad but also emphasized their potential as serious contenders in upcoming tournaments. The outcome of this match serves as a testament to their skill and determination, leaving fans optimistic about their future competitions.