The Queensland Reds are coming to Fiji on a high in their Super W opener against the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on Saturday.

The Reds hammered a spirited Penina Pasifika side 60-7 in a warm-up clash at the Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane over the weekend.

Pasifika brought plenty of physicality and flair, making the hosts work for their points.

Wingers Ivania Wong and Piper Flynn both scored doubles as did backrower Zoe Hanna.

Experienced leaders Tiarna Molloy and Carys Dallinger were the standouts for the Reds, Molloy carrying with aplomb and finding plenty of space.

Reds head coach Andrew Fraser was pleased with the big win and their players fitness among the positives which caught his eyes. He admitted selection for this weekend would be a challenge for the coaching staff.

“I’m delighted with the performance; we’ve entertained our members and fans, and it was a nice way to perform ahead of a tough trip to Fiji,” Fraser told rugby.com.au..

“There are always things to work on, but we’ve shown some glimpses of what we can do when we’re switched on. Freya Greensill and our strength and conditioning team have done an exceptional job to get our girls in great condition.

“We’ve had girls in this programme working hard for up to five months now, and we’ve got a couple of tough nights of decision-making ahead of us, but rest assured the players who travel will have earned their spots and Queensland can be proud of them. We look forward to going there and hopefully upsetting the home team.”

Ideal way

Reds Hooker Tiarna Molloy said it was the ideal way to finish pre-season.

“They were very physical and I think it’s really good preparation for us ahead of playing the Drua.

“I wouldn’t want to be the coaches right now, picking our first team. It’s been a really good preparation, the professionalism of our program has lifted this year, and we feel like we’re in a good place.

“We’ve had a really big pre-season in the Brisbane heat and we’ve playing games in the middle of the day and the heat of the sun. I’m excited to get to Fiji.

“It will be hot and humid, and in many ways there’s nothing quite like a Fijian crowd.”

Fraser was thrilled with Molloy’s performance and praised Dallinger’s decision-making.

“Tiarna Molloy is an amazing athlete at the moment, and she deserves all the credit she is getting,” Fraser said.

“Tiarna is reaping the rewards of her hard work. Carys showed how excellent she is when she’s kicking well, running square and playing hard, and she was excellent along with Lori Cramer in the back field.”

While Penina Pasifika aren’t playing for points, Fraser thanked the visitors and praised the contribution they make to the Australian women’s Rugby season.

“We have two girls that played for Queensland (Michelle Curry and Vineta Teutau) who were in that programme last year, and that shows that there is opportunity for those girls to progress and be recognised.

“This fixture is really well-received by all of the Australian teams, and we’ve been very fortunate to play them here.”

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