Olympics Games
Success at the 2020 Tokyo
Ferns in extra-time of an epic semi-final, but went on to beat Great Britain 21-12 to finish third. The Fijiana started slowly in pool play, as they lost to France 12-5. France, with the likes of Seraphine Okemba, Anne-Cecile Ciofani, Jade Ulutule, Fanny Horta, Coralie Bertrand, Camille Grassineau, Caroline Drouin, Chloe Pelle, Chloe Jacquet, Carla Neisen and Shannon Izar, dictated play and the Fijiana made errors which led to their downfall.
Players such as Vasiti Solikoviti, Sesenieli Donu, Rusila Nagasau, Reapi Ulunisau, Laisana Likuceva, Viniana Riwai, Ana Maria Naimasi, Raijieli Daveua, Ana Roqica, Lavena Cavuru, Alowesi Nakoci and Roela Radiniyavuni were finding their rhythm slowly. In the second pool match, Fiji created the biggest upset in pool play, as they outclassed 2016 bronze medalists Canada 26-12, who had the likes of Pamphinette Buisa, Breanne Nicholas, Karen Paquin, Bianca Farella, Elissa Alarie, Kaili Lucan, Keyara Wardley, Apps Olivia, Britt Benn, Kayla Moleschi, Charity Williams and Ghislaine Landry.
This win showed that the Fijiana had the ability to beat big names in rugby. Brazil was last in pool play, and the Brazilians, with names in, Mariana Nicolau, Luiza Campos, Rafaela Zanellato, Thalia da Silva Costa, Aline Furtado, Isadora Cerullo, Raquel Kochhann, Bianca Silva, Leila dos Santos Silva, Haline Leme and Thalita da Silva Costa, received a hiding, as the Fijiana recorded a resounding win 41-5.
The Fijiana finished second in pool, and our girls played against defending 2016 champs Australia, whom they knocked out 14-12. Aloesi Nakoci struck first, and pressure rugby was what the Fijiana did and never gave the Olympic gold medalists any chance even at the breakdown. After the scintillating win, the brave Fijiana fell short against the Black Ferns.
The Fijiana lost 22-17 in a thrilling semi-final. It was an exceptional performance against the Black Ferns by the Fijiana who led 7-5 at half-time.
Finally, Team GB’s women’s 7s team was beaten to an Olympic Games bronze medal by a fabulous Fijiana side. The emotions could not have been more contrasting, as the Fijiana celebrated Fiji’s first female Olympic podium. The Fijiana was worthy 21-12 winners. Alowesi Nakoci scored two first-half tries, with Reapi Ulunisau adding a breakaway score after the break.
Team GB battled valiantly and put the Fijiana under pressure in front of their post, but the Fijiana was too good, particularly Nakoci who was lethal every time she got the ball. The girls deserved the reward, as they achieved what few fans had predicted.
Cheering squad in Nadawa
My daughter Mahika and niece Akshainie joined my dad Ram, brother Rohit and wife Madhu in cheering for the Fijiana. We were proud of the bronze medal win, and we were proud of the Fijiana’s efforts. The week was draining. So much to look forward to, and the many exciting and thrilling moments gifted by the men’s and women’s 7s teams who had fulfilled their dreams.
The rest is a piece of colouful history!
RAJNESH LINGAM is a contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are his and not necessarily of this newspaper or his employer.