VODAFONE Fijiana XV ran in eight tries to secure a 54–26 victory over Hong Kong China in the WXV Global Series Challenger on Saturday with their attacking depth proving decisive.
Fijiana made their mark early through Adi Salote Nailolo, who crossed in the eighth minute, before Varanisese Qoro added another three minutes later.
Hong Kong China responded with tries from Tanya Dhar and Sabay Lynam to briefly take the lead, but Fiji regained control through Qoro’s second try.
The Fijiana attack then gathered momentum, with Atelaite Buna Ralivanawa and Merewairita Neivosa combining for three tries in a six-minute burst before the break.
Ralivanawa, who was named player of the match, showed determination to finish her opportunities, keeping herself in play near the touchline despite pressure from defenders.
Fiji continued to stretch the Hong Kong China defence after half-time, with replacement Zipporah Sorokacika scoring soon after entering the match.
Vasemaca Duva completed the scoring 13 minutes from full-time, breaking through the defence to add Fiji’s eighth try.
The victory gives Fijiana another positive result in the competition after their 38–32 win over Spain.
Fijiana right wing Atelaite Buna Ralivanawa scored twice and was named player of the match.
“It was a tough game from Hong Kong, and we were expecting that, Ralivanawa said.
“Credit to the girls for the hard work, I just did what the coaches asked of me today, and I think I delivered.”
Hong Kong China captain Lara Schats praised Fiji while acknowledging her side’s costly lapse.
“Credit to Fiji, they are incredible to watch and harder to play against,” Schats said.
“We left ourselves down for 10 minutes there, and the Flying Fijians flew past us.”
Fijiana will meet the Netherlands this Saturday at 8pm, at the Kai Tak Youth Sports ground in Hong Kong.
The Vodafone Fijiana XV join in prayer after their win over Hong Kong last Saturday. Picture: WORLD RUGBY/YU CHUN CHRISTOPHER WONG
