The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team faced a tough start to their HSBC cape Town 7s campaign, suffering a decisive 31-0 loss against the USA Women’s 7s in their opening pool match.
Discipline proved to be a major hurdle for the fijian side, as they conceded two yellow cards in each half. The USA capitalized on their numerical advantage,scoring tries with ease.
“We need to work on our discipline,” said Fijiana coach Saiasi Fuli after the match. “Those yellow cards really cost us.”
The USA established a pleasant 12-0 lead by halftime, thanks to two tries and a conversion from winger Nia Toliver. They continued their dominance in the second half, adding three more tries through Kaylen Thomas and Alyssa Porter, who scored a double. Kayla Canett converted two tries for the USA.
The Fijiana struggled to find their rhythm offensively and were unable to breach the USA’s solid defense.
Looking ahead,the Fijiana will face Great Britain in their second pool match,hoping to bounce back from their opening defeat.
Meanwhile, the fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team will begin their campaign against Uruguay at 12:38 am tomorrow, followed by a clash against Great britain at 4:19 am.
Stay tuned for updates on both teams’ progress throughout the tournament.
Match Timeline
0′ Fijiana kicks off the first half. FIJ 0-0 USA
3′ Fiji reduced to 6 players after Adimereani is sin binned. FIJ 0-0 USA
4’ USA scores the first converted try through Nia Toliver. FIJ 0-7 USA
4’ USA scores the first unconverted try through Nia Toliver. FIJ 0-5 USA
5′ Nia Toliver scores her second try of the match with the conversion successful. FIJ 0-12 USA
Half Time: FIJIANA 0-12 USA
7′ USA kicks off the second spell. FIJ 0-12 USA
10′ USA scores their third try of the match through Kaylin Thomas.Conversion unsuccessful. FIJ 0-17 USA
11′ Fiji receives their second yellow card after another disciplinary issue. FIJ 0-12 USA
12′ USA scores another converted try through allysa Porter to extend their lead. FIJ 0-24 USA
14′ Porter scores her second converted try at the stroke of fulltime. FIJ 0-31 USA
## Fijiana 7s Face Uphill Battle After Cape Town Opener
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview wiht Fijian Rugby Legend, Api Koroisau**
The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team suffered a heavy 31-0 defeat against the USA Women’s 7s in their opening pool match at the HSBC Cape Town 7s.Facing a tough pool that also includes Australia and Ireland, the Fijianas have their work cut out for them.
I spoke with Fijian rugby legend, Api Koroisau, to get his expert analysis on the Fijiana 7s’ performance and their prospects for the rest of the tournament.
**World-Today-News:** Api, that was a tough opening match for the Fijiana 7s. What were your impressions of their performance?
**Api Koroisau:** It was a disappointing start for the girls, ther’s there’s no doubt whatsoever about that. The USA are a strong team, and they played well, but I think Fiji also made a few uncharacteristic errors. They seemed a bit rattled early on, and the USA capitalized on those mistakes.
**World-Today-News:** What do you think the Fijiana 7s need to focus on going forward?
**Api Koroisau:** Firstly, they need to regroup and regain their composure. They can’t dwell on this loss. they need to analyze their mistakes, learn from them, and move forward. They also need to bring more intensity and aggression on defense. The USA were able to penetrate their line too easily.
**World-Today-News:** The Fijiana 7s face Australia and Ireland next in their pool. How do you see these matches panning out?
**Api Koroisau:** Both Australia and Ireland are quality teams, so Fiji will need to be at their best. Australia will be looking to bounce back after their loss to Ireland, and they’ll be hungry for a win. Ireland, meanwhile, will be riding high after their upset victory. fiji will need to bring their A-game if they want to have a chance.
**World-Today-News:** What are your predictions for the Fijiana 7s at the Cape Town 7s?
**Api Koroisau:** It’s going to be tough, but this Fijiana 7s team is capable of turning things around. They have the talent and the heart. They just need to find their rhythm and play with more confidence.I believe they can still progress from their pool and make a run in the knockout stages.
**World-Today-News:** Thank you for your insights, Api. We’ll all be watching closely to see how the Fijiana 7s fare in the rest of the tournament.
**Api Koroisau:** Kia kaha to the Fijiana 7s!
