The Fiji Water Flying Fijians faced a challenging match against England, ultimately suffering a 38-18 defeat. Despite the loss, the team showcased several moments of brilliance, fueled by standout performances from captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere, Pita Gus-Sowakula, and winger Salesi Rayasi, each earning high ratings of 8 out of 10.
Ikanivere was instrumental, scoring two tries—one from a rolling maul and another following the halftime break. His leadership on the field was key as he navigated the team through tough patches. Additionally, Sowakula demonstrated exceptional skill with an offload that facilitated Fiji’s second try by Caleb Muntz, who executed a clever chip and regather to score.
Rayasi added electricity to Fiji’s attack, managing to beat six defenders, amplifying the pressure on England’s backline throughout the match. Although Fiji produced a strong offensive performance, their discipline faltered at crucial moments, as yellow cards to Josua Tuisova and Selestino Ravutaumada proved detrimental, giving England an edge in the latter stages of the game.
On a positive note, several other players such as Elia Canakaivata, Vilame Mata, and substitute Sireli Maqala also displayed commendable defensive skills and ball handling. Their efforts provided a glimpse of the potential within the team, despite the scoreboard not reflecting it.
Looking ahead, the Flying Fijians will regroup and prepare for their upcoming Autumn Nations fixtures, with their next challenge set against France at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique stadium next Sunday at 8:10 AM. Coach Mick Byrne is expected to build on the lessons learned from the match against England, focusing on enhancing the team’s attacking cohesion and set-piece execution.
Fans are encouraged to watch the delayed coverage of the match against England, airing at 8 PM tomorrow on FBC Sports. This promising attitude and resilience displayed by the Flying Fijians serve as motivation as they strive to improve and potentially secure victories in future matches.