Fijiana XV learn from Aussie tour
Despite losing 20-5 to a strong NSW Waratahs Women’s side on Friday night, it was a big learning experience for the Fiji Airways Fijiana XV team.
Head coach Ro Alifereti Doviverata said after winning their first game against Queensland Reds, they had to work on a few areas of their game.
“Against the Waratahs it was for our girls to rise-up to that level,” the former Flying Fijians captain side.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Australian Government who backed the tour through their PacificAus Sports initiative. “We’re looking forward to be invited for more games this year.” The tour was a build-up for the Fijiana XV as they prepare for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
PUT TO THE TEST
The Waratahs made a statement in their clash with and international outfit that beat Queensland just five days ago but coach Campbell Aitken said they had to use it as a platform for the rest of their Super W campaign. “Momentum’s huge in any sport and for us to continue winning is important for us,” he said.
“It certainly sets us up nicely for the rest of the season but our challenge now is to aim up from here and not just accept this as the ultimate.
“We’ve got ahead.”
In a bruising contest, the Waratahs women were put to the test in physicality by the Fijians and Aitken was happy that they stepped up to the mark. “Certainly a step up in intensity from last week and it’s certainly the challenge we were looking for and I’m pleased with the way the girls reacted to it,” he said.
“It was just physicality and
“It’s a good benchmark to understand for our girls to understand what it takes to play international rugby at that high standard. “We saw how physical they were against Queensland` and we certainly aimed to match them in that area.” bigger challenges intensity. offloads during the clash against NSW Waratahs in Sydney, Australia on February 22, 2020.