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There were scenes of joy at Waitakere Stadium last night, as Fijiana secured their first ever victory in World Cup history.
After suffering a devastating loss to tournament favourites England last week, the only Pacific side in the competition made sure to make amends for that effort in their match against South Africa.
Fijiana started off in dominant fashion with a try to Ilisapeci Delaiwau in the 13th minute, after a disallowed try earlier in the match.
Lavena Cavurus’ conversion put the score at 7-0 to Fijiana.
Zintie Mpupha of South Africa crossed over the tryline in the 36th minute converted by Libbie Janse van Rensburg, to level the scores just before halftime.
As the hooter signalled the end of the first half, Akanisi Sokoiwasa snuck in with a try on the 40th minute, again converted by Cavuru. Fijiana headed into the dressing rooms with a seven-point lead.
South Africa came out flying in the second half, with a converted try to block-busting number eight Aseza Hele. The try locking up the scores yet again at 14 all.
For most of the second half, both teams were close to breaking the tie, but small errors and penalties cost them their chances.
South Africa finally broke the deadlock, with a penalty goal right in front of the goalposts in the 79th minute, slotted through by Janse van Rensburg. South Africa, in the lead 7-14 with only a minute left in the match.
But Fijiana were not done just yet, as they surged upfield after the kickoff to put their own powerhouse number eight, Karalaini Naisewa, over the tryline next to the posts, sealing the victory for her team in the 80th minute.
Cavuru converted as the final hooter sounded, giving Fijiana a historic 21-17 win.
It was a more special moment for Fijian fans who packed out Waitakere stadium, as this was their first ever victory in World Cup history.
“I have no words for it. I am just grateful for the girls, hats off to them,” Fijiana captain Asinate Serevi said after the win.
“We talked about just leaving everything on the field and playing with heart. Something Fijians are known for is that if we have a minute or a couple of minutes left, we can score a try and win a game, and that’s what we did.
“The energy going into the game today was positive. I think we just played to our strengths. Even with two or three minutes left in the game, we knew we had the confidence. We just said, ‘kick, let’s get it back and we score’, and that’s what we did.”
Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula was quick to applaud his girls’ efforts too, and also for the fans that came out to support.
“I am very thankful to the Fijian community who came out in numbers and it boosted the girls a lot during the game,” he said.
“It is our first World Cup and our first win and that is huge for us, especially for these girls to gain confidence from the first game to the South Africa game because this is the only chance for us to play big teams.
“These girls are role models back home and women’s rugby is getting bigger back home and a lot of them want to play in three years’ time at the next Rugby World Cup.”
Fijiana hope to continue their winning momentum into their next match, against a strong French team. It is a challenge that both Serevi and Seruvakula are excited for.
Meanwhile the Black Ferns have qualified for the quarter final stages of the World Cup, after a convincing 56-12 win over Wales yesterday too.
Speedster Portia Woodman continued her ongoing form from last week, as she ran in two tries of her own.
Also playing a major part in the win was young midfielder, Logo I Pulotu Lemapu Atai’I Sylvia Brunt, crossing over for two tries of her own. Brunt accumulated an impressive 60 metres on attack.
“It’s good to get the win today and make the quarterfinals. I know that we still have a lot to work on, especially our set piece areas, but other than that we are grateful,” Brunt said.
Decked out in necklaces made of sweets and garlands from her family and fans, Brunt was ecstatic to get the win and for the ongoing support shown by the community.
“I know that not all my family and friends were here today, but their support is always shown through their calls and messages. It is always special having them here.”
