Disappointing!
That was the comment of Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Mosese Rauluni, following their, 17-45, loss to Manusina Samoa yesterday.
The Fijiana have moved down to number three with five points on the table. Samoa has ascended to number two with seven points.
The win was crucial for their Pacific rivals as they fight to qualify for the Women’s Rugby World Cup next year after Fiji defeated them in the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship, 27-13, in June to qualify.
In a post-match interview, Rauluni said his side was outclassed
This is their first loss of the tournament after their convincing 38-3 victory over Hong Kong China last month.
Speaking after the game, Rauluni relayed his disappointment as they were outclassed by their Pacific rivals throughout the game.
“We trained so well this week, but we didn’t take it on the field,” he said.
Rauluni said the team failed to capitalise on their opportunities and made simple mistakes which were costly.
Fiji tried to fight for a win in the second-half but couldn’t as Samoa stretched their lead, thanks to the boot of Cassie Siataga.
“We will have to go back and review our mistakes.
“There are a lot of things we need to work on and that needs to be addressed,” Rauluni said.
He admitted that their game management was poor and is one area they would address if they were to stay in the fight.
He added that it was a problem during the Scotland and Netherlands Test matches.
“We had a lot of errors today (yesterday).
“We cannot keep repeating it again and again because it’s costly in a high tempo game like this,” he said.
The team has a week to prepare before they face table leaders Spain in their third WXV 3 match on Sunday.
“Spain is a good team and we know the task is huge.
“We will go back and work towards to getting back on track and win the next game.”
Fijiana fullback Luisa Tisolo scored a double and the third try was from captain Karalaini Naisewa; Tisolo only successfully converted Naisewa’s try.
Samoa scored six tries, three of which was converted and three penalties.
Meanwhile, Vodafone Fijiana XV won their first match 38-3 against Hong Kong China, while Samoa drew 8-all against Netherlands.
They will have two Test matches against Scotland in England will follow in November.
Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj
