The FIJI Water Flying Fijians faced a challenging defeat against France, ending the match at 34-21 in Bordeaux. Despite the setback, captain Tevita Ikanivere expressed disappointment tempered with optimism regarding the team’s potential. The Fijians entered the encounter with aspirations of victory, but were quickly placed on the defensive as France surged to a 21-0 lead within the opening 20 minutes, presenting a formidable challenge for the visitors.
Ikanivere highlighted the team’s promising momentum and firepower but acknowledged that critical lapses in decision-making and discipline undermined their performance. Nevertheless, the Flying Fijians demonstrated resilience as they regrouped to narrow the score to 21-14 by halftime, showcasing a spirited comeback that included tries from Kalaveti Ravouvou and Selestino Ravutaumada. The team further leveled the score at 21-21 shortly into the second half, courtesy of Jiuta Wainiqolo, illustrating their determination against a highly-ranked opponent.
However, France capitalized on Fiji’s struggle to maintain momentum, scoring key penalties to stretch their lead to 27-21 before securing the victory with a final try from Nicolas Depoortere. Ikanivere remains convinced that Fiji is on the cusp of competing with the world’s elite teams, emphasizing the need for improved execution in future matches.
Looking ahead, the squad is keen to conclude their season with a positive performance against Spain next Sunday. Ikanivere noted that the experience gained from the match against France would serve as motivation, particularly as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This encounter provided the Flying Fijians with valuable lessons to carry forward, underscoring their commitment to growth and improvement in international rugby.
As the team approaches their next challenge, the Flying Fijians are resolute in converting their lessons into performance outcomes, continuing to showcase their talent and resilience. The journey of this promising squad inspires hope among fans for an exciting future in Fijian rugby.