THE Vodafone Fijiana XV side delivered a powerhouse performance to open their 2025 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship campaign, thrashing Tonga 59-5 at Lawaqa Park yesterday.
The Ioan Cunningham-coached outfit wasted no time stamping their mark on the tournament, running in six tries in the first half to take a commanding 30-0 lead into the break. Despite soggy and heavy ground conditions brought on by persistent rain, the Fijians played with flair and precision.
Winger Josifini Neihamu was electric, scoring two tries with her intelligent attacking lines.
Mereoni Nakesa, debutant fullback Litiana Vueti, and prop Loraini Senivutu who powered through the Tongan forwards added to the scoreboard. Halfback Setaita Railumu also dotted down, although all conversion attempts were unsuccessful in the first half.
Coach Ioan Cunningham praised his team’s effort.
“I’m proud of the girls. We’ve worked hard over the past two weeks. Scoring 59 points in this weather is something I’m really proud of.”
The second half saw no let-up from the Fijiana side. They added five more tries through Ema Adivitaloga, Neihamu, Asinate Serevi, and a double from powerful winger Sala Nabuli.
Vueti, in her first appearance for the national side, slotted two conversions in the second half to cap off an impressive debut.
Tonga scored their lone try in the second half through Viviena Halahingano.
Despite the loss, Tonga’s captain Tonga Tuiaki commended her team’s resilience and paid tribute to their supporters.
“I’m proud of my sisters and also thank our families for their support.”
A good crowd turned out at Lawaqa Park, braving the wet conditions to cheer on both teams.
