The Fiji Airways Fijiana team encountered a tough challenge in their opening match at the Singapore Sevens tournament, suffering a 7-35 defeat against Australia. Reapi Ulunisau was the lone scorer for Fiji, managing to secure a try in the first half, but the team was unable to keep pace, trailing 7-21 at halftime.
Head coach Richard Walker expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, pointing to critical mistakes that were exploited by the quick and adept Australian side. “We made a couple of mistakes, and that cost us. We can’t afford errors like that against a fast team like Australia,” Walker stated. He underscored the necessity of winning their next two pool matches to keep hopes of advancing to the semi-finals alive.
Walker also acknowledged the fierce competition within their pool, noting that Japan built an early 17-point lead against the USA before the USA surged back to win with 24 unanswered points, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
Despite the setback, there was a notable achievement for the Fijiana team as captain Alfreda Fisher made her debut in the 7s format during the match, coming onto the field for the final minutes. This debut marks a significant milestone in her rugby career, showcasing the depth of talent within the Fijiana squad.
With an unwavering spirit, Fijiana is now focused on their upcoming matches against the USA and Japan, aiming for victories that will increase their chances of progressing in the competition. Their determination to bounce back reflects the resilience and commitment that could ultimately guide them through the tournament.