The Fijiana 15s side went down 22-5 against the Australia Wallaroos at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney last night.
While halfback, Evivi Senikarivi made a few clean line-breaks to spark the attack for the Fijiana, passes failed to stick, with Fiji’s offloads often too hasty, making them difficult for the supporting players to catch.
Siteri Rasolea was powerful in the stand-offs, and young locks Doreen Narokete and Mereoni Nakesa coordinated well in the second row.
Luisa Tisolo was strong at fullback. The 7s star showed glimpses of her dangerous counter-attacking skills signalling a bright future in the number 15 jersey.
Prop Bitila Tawake played well coming off the bench, her physicality helping to lift the Fijiana’s game in the second half. She scored Fiji’s lone try in the 60th minute.
However the Wallaroos played a very strategic game plan and were relentless in their attack.
Blindside flanker Ashley Masters was in the thick of things all night long, creating havoc for the Fijiana in a ‘player of the match’ performance.
The win was a great send off for Wallaroos Captain, Shannon Perry who is retiring from international rugby. She said it was a nice way to finish her career.
“We were challenged by Fiji in various parts of the game. You’re almost scoring at one end and they’re nearly making you pay at the other. I thought we scrambled well and hung in the fight which was really pleasing,” Perry said.