Fijiana player Biutoka Kacimaiwai on the attack against Tonga at the Oceania Women's Rugby Championship game, at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Friday. Photo: Kirk Corrie/Oceania Rugby
The Fijians have dominated in two Oceania rugby tournaments they competed in at the weekend.
In the Oceania Under-20 Rugby Challenge, the Fiji under-20s team retained their title for another year when they swept through the event undefeated.
Having recorded earlier wins against both Tonga and Canada in the past seven days, the junior Flying Fijians turned up the tempo once again to beat Samoa 48-16 in the final game of the challenge series in Nadi on Saturday afternoon.
That came at the back of an impressive victory by the Fijiana women's team, over Tonga, in the opening match of the Oceania Women's Rugby Championship on Friday.
Fijiana, Fiji's national women's rugby team, proved too strong for Tonga 59-15 in Sigatoka in their opening game.
Under-20s retain title
In another strong display, the junior Flying Fijians proved too strong for the junior Manu Samoa team to win the final match of the challenge series.
Ratu Aporosa Lalabalavu led the onslaught with a hat-trick at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday afternoon.
The strong and fast winger led Fiji's dominant attacking display, crossing the line three times.
The hosts led 17-8 at halftime, with tries coming from Lalabalavu, Marika Koroi and Ratu Apenisa Naevo.
Members of the Fiji Under-20s men's team singing the Fijian national anthem at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday, before their game against Samoa Under-20. Photo: Oceania Rugby
There were further tries from Lalabalavu, who claimed two more, Bogidrau Kikau, Isoa Koroinawai and a penalty try that was awarded to the team.
Samoa responded with tries to Peneli Opetai and Josh Fuimaono, while winger Christian Lealofi added six points through the boot.
In an earlier game on Saturday, the Canadian team overpowered Tonga 50-27.
The Canadians kept the Tongans under pressure throughout the game, with Daniel Lucic scoring a double.
Other tries were scored by Angus Dewar, Morgan Di Nardo, Coen Quinn, Kohl Kletke, Josh Du Toit, plus a penalty try.
Tonga also scored five tries through a double from Sinaipa Langi, plus one each from Sione Valevale, Siua Vaitai, and Tiseni Afu.
Fijiana claim first win
On Friday afternoon, the Fijiana side started their defence of the Oceania title with a well-earned win over the Tongans at Lawaqa Park.
For their part, the Fijians showed their dominance, running in a total of 11 tries.
It was a display the Fijians were proud of, with captain Alfreda Fisher stating after the game it was good to have a win in the opening match but hinted they still could have played better.
"It's an honour to represent Fiji in front of our fans," she said.
"Thank you to the Tongan team for the good match. We maintained discipline and the girls gave their best today.
"While there were a few things we could improve on, we'll take lessons from this and work hard ahead of the next game."
Fijiana's Rusila Nagasau has a run against the Tongans at the Oceania Women's Rugby Championship game. Photo: Kirk Corrie/Oceania Rugby
Tonga's Lofa XV showed a lot of promise, featuring majority of locally-based players.
Captain Tonga Tuiaki said she was proud of the players, most of whom made their debut for the Friendly Islanders.
"The game was physical at first, but we're just proud of the girls and appreciate the chance to play against Fiji," she said.
"I am proud of all the girls. Most are locals and it was an honor to represent our families and country. We'll work on our physicality and are looking forward to our next match against Samoa."
The second round of the tournament will take place on Tuesday, with the Lofa XV taking on Manusina XV of Samoa.
The Vodafone Fijiana made a powerful statement in their opening match of the Oceania Women's Rugby XV Championship, overwhelming Tonga 54-5 in a dominant display at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Fijiana debutant Litiana Vueti was among the scorers, marking her first cap with a memorable try, while Loraini Senivutu bagged a double, along with Josivini Naihamu, who also claimed two tries.
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