Fiji Airways Fijiana defeated Ireland 26-17 in their first pool match at the Hong Kong 7s. Key scores came from Adita Milinia, Adimereani Rogosau, Lavena Cavuru, and Verenaisi Ditavutu. Coach Richie Walker emphasized strong player readiness for substitutions.
The Fiji Airways Fijiana women’s 7s team secured a victory against Ireland in their opening pool match at the Hong Kong 7s with a score of 26-17. Fiji initiated the scoring early with a converted try from Adita Milinia within the second minute. The Irish faced a strong defense led by head coach Richie Walker, which prevented them from reaching the Fijian tryline initially.
Following Milinia’s score, Adimereani Rogosau added another unconverted try, making it 12-0 for Fiji. As halftime approached, Ireland managed to score an unconverted try, adjusting the scoreline but still trailing behind. The game intensified in the second half when Ireland achieved a converted try, creating a 12-12 draw.
Ireland then took the lead with another unconverted try, bringing the score to 17-12. Despite strong opposition, Fijiana’s Mereula Torooti attempted to regain the advantage, but her progress was halted by the Irish defense. However, Fiji regained the lead thanks to a converted try by Lavena Cavuru, which brought their score to 19-17.
In the final moments of the match, Verenaisi Ditavutu scored another converted try for Fiji, finalizing the score at 26-17. Coach Richie Walker praised the team’s effort and strategy, emphasizing the importance of having players ready for seamless substitutions. “We made sure that our substitutions knew when they were going on and what they needed to do to finish the game,” Walker stated, indicating confidence in his squad’s capabilities.
The Fiji Airways Fijiana women’s 7s team showcased resilience and strategy in their first match against Ireland, overcoming a challenging opposition to secure a 26-17 victory. The early advantages and critical late-game plays, along with effective teamwork and coaching, were instrumental for their success. The match highlighted the team’s depth and readiness to adapt under pressure, which will be vital in their upcoming matches at the tournament.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
