VODAFONE Fijiana captain Alfreda Fisher returned home on Wednesday night carrying both pride and pain after her side’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
The Fijiana recorded two losses and one victory in their pool matches going down heavily to Canada 7-65, falling to Scotland 15-29, before finishing on a high with a dramatic 28-25 win over Wales.
For Fisher, the tournament was more than just results. It was a test of character, leadership, and resilience.
“First of all, it was hard and tough.
“I managed to overcome it through the support of old players and coaches who trusted me. They kept reminding me it’s not about experience but about trust.”
But the young captain admitted the pressure of leadership was overwhelming at times, especially after the opening defeats.
“People were questioning my leadership after the first two games.
“As soon as I heard that last whistle against Wales, i was emotional,” Fisher added.
Fisher recalled the tension of the final scrum in the closing minutes against Wales.
“Kara and Keleni were saying they were tired, and I reminded them that we’ve come a long way, and we had to take something home to make Fiji proud.
“When Sulita passed to Kinita and she didn’t catch the ball, I froze. I didn’t know what to do. Then when the referee blew the final whistle, I had mixed emotions because people were questioning my leadership.”
For Fisher, the victory was not only about restoring pride but also about honoring the veterans of the team.
“Before the game I told the girls we should give something back to the old players who will be retiring. That win was for them,” she said.
While criticism has tested her, Fisher believes the experience has only made her stronger.
