Fijiana keen to keep impressing after historic WXV Global Series Challenger victory

When match official Amber Stamp-Dunstan whistled for the final time in the Spain-Fiji clash, the Fijiana had made history by beating Las Leonas for the first time.

The 38-32 win came dramatically, as the Pacific Islanders trailed for most of the game before pulling off a remarkable comeback in the final 13 minutes with tries from Rokowati Nabura, Salote Nailolo and Repeka Adi Tove.

Harlequins’ Manuqalo Komaitai, who came in when the team needed it most, was still elated by what they had pulled off against a formidable Spanish side.

“It feels good, as we made history for our country by beating Spain for the first time! I am so proud of the team and the girls for putting in the work and the fight to get this result.”

With the European side pushing the Fijiana into a corner, their only option was to push forward with everything they had, refusing to fear failure, according to No.8 Alfreda Fisher.

“As Manuqalo said, I feel really proud of what we have accomplished in our first week here, and how we fought until the final whistle.”

For the talented and commanding loose forward, her side’s progress over the past year has been remarkable, with their hard work already beginning to bear fruit.

“We have so much potential, and I hope we can show it to everyone. We can still grow much more, but the team has done great over the past three or four months.”

Komaitai shares the same opinion and believes the result against Spain marks the beginning of a promising journey for a team that aims to qualify for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

“As Alfreda stated, there is always room for improvement, but the team has grown so much over the past couple of months. I believe we can go even higher, and the future is promising for us.”

Amongst the great passages of play produced by the Fiji women’s team, Alfreda Fisher can easily pick her favourite, which came in the final seconds of the contest.

“If I had to pick a moment of the game, I would say Repeka Tove’s try. It sealed the deal for us in a moment when there was still some uncertainty about who was going to come out on top!”

Next up is Hong Kong China, whose confidence will be soaring after their sensational victory over Brazil, with added motivation to perform in front of a packed house on Saturday.

While Hong Kong China’s set-piece will present a fierce challenge, Fisher is unwavering in her belief that she and her teammates have done the work needed to tackle it.

“I am expecting a very physical and high-intensity game, as Hong Kong China will get to play in front of their fans who will energise and motivate them. I am looking forward to it!”

Although the Fijiana lineup has yet to be announced, Komaitai is eagerly looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“It is going to be a promising contest, as they are playing on their home turf and they will come at us with a lot of energy.”

But not everything has to be winner-takes-all games and fierce training, as Fijiana squad has embraced Hong Kong, discovering what the city has to offer, with the Harlequins loose forward sharing their journey thus far.

“Our first week in Hong Kong China was great! It was special to meet the girls after so long, since I’m based in the United Kingdom right now. We settled in very well, and that is all thanks to the whole tournament and hotel staff who have been looking after us.”

As their break comes to an end, Fisher echoes her teammate’s sentiments, excited about the two weeks ahead.

“Everything is going well, and we are enjoying being here! We have adapted to the environment and the weather, and it’s the perfect setting for the WXV Global Series Challenger!”