Fijiana XV upset Reds 29-10
The Fiji Airways Fijiana XV opened their Australian tour with a 29-10 win over the Queensland Reds Women’s side at the Ballymore Oval in Brisbane yesterday.
Outstanding for the Fijians was fullback Aloesi Nakoci who showed blistering speed to run 80 metres and score their third try. The Fijiana XV loose forwards of Sereima Leweniqila, Lavenia Tinai and Makereta Tunidau toiled hard in defence and were always there in support play.
This saw Tinai score two tries . The Super W club were on the back foot as they conceeded four tries in the opening half as they trail 22-3 after managing just one penalty.
With the match kicking off at temperatures of more than 30 degrees, the Reds women were under the pump as Fiji kept the ball in hand and dominated physically.
Forced to defend for the majority of both 20-minute quarters, the Reds were on the back foot and burnt on several occasions by the pace of the Fijians out wide.
The Reds came back strongly with big Destiny Brill breaking the Fijian defence on a number of occasions but poor handling those fumbled two try scoring opportunities.
The Fijiana XV final try came from lock forward Akosita Ravoto who was at the end of a chain of passing that started inside their half with Tinai making the initial break and was carried on by hooker Ada Dansey.
First five eight Lavenia Davuru managed to land two conversions.
The Fijiana XV take on Waratahs Women on Friday.
LINE-UP
Fijiana: 1. Rudi Vueti, 2. Ada Dansey, 3. Aseri Galo, 4. Laisa Taga, 5. Akosita Ravoto, 6. Makereta Tunidau, 7. Lavenia Tinai,
8. Sereima Leweniqila, 9.Raijeli Uluinayau, 10. Lavenia Davuru,
11. Pricilla Siata, 12. Mela Matanatabu, 13. Rusila Nagasau, 14. Seini Raoma, 15. Aloesi Nakodi.
Reserves: 16. Nioni Nahee, 17. Lailanie Burns, 18. Vasiti Rakavu, 19. Torika Semo, 20. Joma Rubuti, 21. Salote Vakaturi, 22. Elenoa Adinaimata.
JUST A GLANCE Fijiana 29
Tries: Tinai 2, Nakodi, Nagasau, Ravoto; Cons: Davuru 2; Red 10- Tries: Lopa; Cons: Gould; Pens: Gould