Alfreda Fisher, making her debut for FIJI Airways Fijiana, is wholeheartedly embracing the challenges that come with her transition from 15s rugby to the faster-paced sevens format. Her first appearance on the international stage took place at the Singapore 7s event over the weekend, where she quickly adapted to the dynamics of the game.
Fisher stepped onto the field as a substitute during Fiji’s opener against Australia, facing some of the strongest teams in rugby sevens. She subsequently shone in Fijiana’s final pool match by scoring the first try in a strong 34-12 victory over Japan, a significant highlight of her debut experience.
Reflecting on her transition, Fisher recognized the hurdles posed by this shift in gameplay. She noted that the faster pace and heightened intensity of sevens rugby required significant adjustments. “It has been a day of learning. There are many changes from how we play in 15s to 7s, and I’m still learning,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to the development process.
Fisher also expressed appreciation for her supportive teammates, who have guided her throughout her early days in the new format. “The girls have been very helpful, guiding me through the processes. I’m thankful to everyone and feel blessed to have the opportunity to represent my country in another code of the game,” she added.
As the Fijiana team gears up for the upcoming Perth tournament in Australia, they are focused on improving their performance after a challenging outing in Singapore, where they narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Cup competition. A particularly disappointing moment came during their second pool match against the USA, which ended in a heartbreaking 17-22 defeat in extra time.
This moment marks a significant chapter for Fisher and her teammates as they refine their skills and aim to establish a strong presence in the competitive landscape of rugby sevens. With their collective determination and teamwork, the Fijiana squad is poised to demonstrate their resilience and growth in future tournaments, offering hope for a brighter path ahead in their rugby journey.