Vodafone Fijiana XVs coach Ioan Cunningham says discipline and missed opportunities proved costly in their 15-29 defeat to Scotland at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup yesterday.
Speaking to Sports Beat, Cunningham admitted his side were “under the pump early on” but believes there were positives to build on heading into their final pool match against Wales.
“I think there was a period in the match where it got away from us. Credit to Scotland, they weathered the storm when we were camped on their line. Test matches are about fine margins, and we didn’t capitalise on our chances,” Cunningham said.
The defeat means Fiji’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages are officially over.
Fiji’s chances took an early blow when experienced prop Vika Matarugu was sent off in the eighth minute for a dangerous high tackle.
Matters worsened in the second half when hooker and co-captain Bitila Tawake was shown a yellow card in the 56th minute, later upgraded to red, ruling her out for the remainder of the tournament with a likely three-match suspension.
Replacement forward Salote Nailolo was also sin-binned in the 75th minute.
Cunningham admitted the lack of discipline shifted momentum away from his side.
“We’ve done a lot of work on resilience and focusing on winning the next moment when something hasn’t gone our way, and that was encouraging. But ultimately, spending that much time with 14 players is always going to be tough at this level.”
The match began on a nightmare note for Fiji, as Scotland crossed within the opening two minutes. Winger Francesca McGhie chased a perfectly weighted grubber to score the first of her two tries. Scotland’s other winger Rhona Lloyd also bagged a brace, punishing Fiji’s defensive lapses.
By halftime, Scotland led 17-5, with Fiji’s lone try coming from prop Loraini Senivutu, who powered over to give her side a lifeline despite being a player short.
The second half saw flashes of the trademark Fijian flair, led by British Army number eight Manuqalo Komaitai, who carried strongly and eventually scored a try to lift her team’s spirits. Karalaini Naisewa also barged over to close the gap.
With two losses from their opening matches, the Fijiana will now turn their focus to their final pool clash against Wales at Sandy Park in Exeter on Saturday.
Cunningham insists the players are motivated to end their campaign on a high.