SIMPLE rugby has brought out the best in Fiji’s women, with five Fijiana players named in the RugbyPass Team of the Tournament following their title-winning campaign.
The form of Kolora Lomani, Varanisese Qoro, Josivini Neihamu, Adi Salote Nailolo and Alfreda Fisher played a major role in the Fijiana XV’s unbeaten run to the WXV Global Series Challenger title.
Their selection is also a reflection of the impact new coach Willie Walker has had since taking charge.
Walker has resisted the temptation to overcomplicate Fiji’s game, instead demanding that his players master the fundamentals – carry hard, tackle with intent, clean effectively, retain possession and make the right decisions.
Once those foundations are in place, the players are encouraged to unleash the flair that has always been part of Fijian rugby.
That approach has allowed several players to produce some of the strongest performances of their Test careers.
Lomani and Qoro’s selection is particularly significant.
The halfback and flyhalf combination gives Fiji an emerging spine around which its attack can be built, with Lomani controlling the tempo and Qoro providing direction and attacking threat.
Outside them, Neihamu and Nailolo provide a midfield partnership based on physicality, defensive pressure and the ability to challenge the opposition line.
The four could become central figures in the Fijiana’s next phase.
Their combinations will be crucial as Walker looks to build consistency and continuity rather than continually rebuilding his backline.
The importance of that continuity was evident in Fiji’s campaign.
Against Spain, the Fijiana trailed 32-19 with about 10 minutes remaining before producing a stunning 19-point comeback to win 38-32.
They followed that with a commanding victory over Hong Kong China before edging the Netherlands 20-17 in the final.
The results demonstrated that Fiji can combine structure with instinct.
Fisher’s inclusion also adds another important element, with the co-captain providing leadership and physical presence to complement the emerging backline core.
For Walker, the challenge now is to ensure the standards established during the tournament become the norm.
The five RugbyPass selections provide individual recognition.
But more importantly, they offer Fiji a glimpse of a settled core capable of carrying the Fijiana forward.
The formula has been simple.
Get the basics right, build confidence and then let the flair take over.
