Kiwis, Fijiana semis
The Fiji Airways Fijiana women sevens captain Ana Maria Roqica says, they will need to stepup in defence against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the Oceania Sevens Rugby Championship today.
The side lost their last pool game to Australia last night 28-5 after thrashing Samoa 38-0 and Tonga 52-5.
Roqica said they cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes against the Black Ferns at 1pm today.
“Our aim is to win all our pool games but unfortunately we lost to Australia because of poor defence.
“We cannot repeat the same mistakes against New Zealand,” she said.
Roqica believes their young players are stepping-up to the challenge. “This is a preparation ground for Dubai and I’m impressed with the performance of our young girls.”
The Australia women play Papua New Guinea in the second semifinal at 1.20pm.
Australian co-captain Shannon Parry anticipates a tough match against PNG.
“It will be tough against PNG and we are looking forward to it,” she said. Meanwhile, Roqica emphasised the need for fans to change their mindset on rugby being a male- dominated sport.
Roqica, who has been playing for the national side for 10 years, scored two tries in their first pool match against Samoa.
“I’ve seen the team developed and improved which is very encouraging.
“I would urge all Fijians to support the side and I know that most fans will only come out to watch the Fiji Airways men’s sevens team.
“But we are also representing Fiji and women deserved to be treated the same way,” she added.
Women: Day One Results;
PNG 12-12 Cook Islands, New Zealand 70-0 Tahiti, Fiji 38-0 Samoa, Australia 61-0 Tonga, PNG 77- 0 Tahiti, New Zealand 26-5 Cook Islands, Fiji 52-5 Tonga, Australia 57-0 Samoa, Cook Islands 71-0 Tahiti, New Zealand 15-0 PNG, Samoa 22-7 Tonga, Fiji 5-28 Australia.