The Fijiana fought with passion and determination but ultimately fell short, unable to overcome a ruthless and clinical Australian side in their opening match of the Vancouver Sevens in Canada this morning, going down 24-38.
Australia made an instant statement, with Maddison Levi crossing in the very first minute and Tia Hinds slotting the conversion to put the visitors up 7-0.
Just moments later, Faith Nathan capitalised on some early possession to stretch the lead to 12-0.
But the Fijiana weren’t about to roll over. Atelaite Ralivanawa burst through the Aussie defence in the sixth minute, and Ana Maria Naimasi’s conversion cut the gap to 12-7, signalling that Fiji were in this contest to fight.
Australia kept the pressure on, with Tia Hinds scoring again before Levi grabbed her second try in the eighth minute.
Yet Fiji’s Reapi Ulunisau hit back straight away, keeping the scoreboard ticking over and the momentum alive.
The second half saw Fiji come out firing, with Verenaisi Ditavutu crossing in the tenth minute, showing their attacking intent.
But Australia replied immediately, Madison Ashby powering over in the 11th minute, with Kahli Henwood’s conversion extending the lead.
Never to be outdone, Fiji fought back hard. Adi Vani Buleki’s try in the 14th minute, was converted by Mariana Talatoka kept the Fijiana in the hunt.
Unfortunately, a costly error in the final moments sealed their fate.
A loose ball deep in Australian territory allowed Mackenzie Davis to sprint away for the final try, and Heidi Dennis added the extras to wrap up a 38-24 win for Australia.
Despite the loss, the Fijiana showed glimpses of their exciting attacking style and plenty of heart.
But it was Australia’s blistering start and sharp finishing that made all the difference in this opening clash.
