Fiji's Adi Salote Nailolo (C) is tackled during the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool B match between Scotland and Fiji. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
The Fijiana women's rugby team suffered their second straight loss at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, going down to Scotland 29-15 on Sunday morning (NZ time).
But head coach Ioan Cunnigham said he was happy with the "improved performance" at the Salford Community Stadium, although the side finished off the game with 14 women, following their second red card in two games.
Vice-captain Bitila Tawake was given her marching orders in the last quarter of the game, and that would also mean the end of the campaign for her, with a three-match suspension on the cards.
The Fijians suffered an early set-back in the game when the Scottish scored an early try, within the first two minutes.
Winger Francesca McGhie toed the ball ahead over the line before diving over to touch down, after the side had gathered from the Fijians' kick off and spun the ball wide.
Scotland's wing Francesca McGhie (R) scores a try as Fiji's fly half Salanieta Kinita (L) trys to tackle. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
She went on to claim a double in the game, with wing partner Rhona Lloyd also claiming two.
The win pushed Scotland into the quarterfinals.
With a sell-out 11,000 crowd watching the two sides, Fiji came back into the game with their own flair and style, having conceded a 10-0 lead in the first quarter of the match.
Fiji's fortunes were mixed, with the experienced Vika Matarugu sent off for 10 minutes following a high tackle, and Loraini Senivutu going over for a try, leaving Scotland to lead 17-5 at halftime.
Britsh Army soldier Manuqalo Komaitai and replacement Adi Salote Nailolo were prominent for the Fijians in the second half but Scotland struck back with two tries of their own to seal the deal.
Karalaini Nasewa also scored a try for the Fijians in the second spell but Scotland defended their line and denied the islanders any chance of claiming a win.
Featuring prominently was Scotland number eight Evie Gallagher, who saved her side with some ferocious and telling tackles, receiving the player of the match award.
She said the Fijians did not give up and gave them a tough run.
"You've got to give credit to Fiji, they brought it to us, pushed us right to our limits, but I'm glad we got to put on such a show for all the fans who came to watch," Gallagher told Sky Sport post-match.
"We really stuck together to ground out the win. It's not necessarily where we wanted to finish that game but I'm proud we stayed in the fight."
Winning captain Rachel Malcolm said it was "unbelievable" securing a spot in the top eight.
"I don't really have the words right now. We've been thinking about this for a really long time, after what we've been through on and off the pitch," she said.
"I don't think we've been in a World Cup quarterfinal for 24 years, so it's nice to create a bit of history. Every single person [in the camp] deserves every single second of that."
Fiji head coach Ioan Cunningham said it was a difficult result to take.
"We go into every match to win but I'm super proud of the performance," he said.
"We showed growth in our game. We had Scotland under pressure in the second half, but we didn't quite come away with enough points. But proud of the effort.
"We were camped there for a long period but Scotland defended really well. Those are the opportunities you've got to take because you don't get many chances.
"I am just really proud of the girls and the effort they put in. We wanted to go in with a mindset of going in and being hungry the whole tournament."
Tawake, who played another grand game despite the loss, said they will keep learning and the players were proud of what they were able to do.
"We carried out our duties with a lot of pride today, despite whatever we went through today we turned up to the last minute."
Lock forward Jade Coates said they are grateful to have the opportunity to play against some top-quality sides and to represent Fiji.
"It is my first World Cup after missing the last one and the last week of prep [after] doing my ankle, so for me, it means a lot to wear the jersey and any time I get to lace up for boots," she said.
"Scotland's a quality side and I can't fault what they did today, they played the 80 minutes, but I'm really proud of our girls and the growth from last week. We just keep moving forward as a group."
Scotland will meet Canada next weekend while Fijiana take on Wales in Exeter next.
