Kolora Lomani gives Fiji something to cling to in Canada defeat

Fiji were well beaten by Canada on Saturday but they depart York with the consolation they might have scored the try of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

From the moment Repeka Tove rescued a misdirected crossfield kick on her own 22 at York Community Stadium her team transformed into peak Barbarians.

It was Josivini Naihamu who provided the impetus, slaloming into the Canadian half before offloading to onrushing captain Alfreda Fisher.

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The skipper was caught by Julia Schell but was able to shovel on to replacement Kolora Lomani who appeared like a train on her left shoulder. The half-back, who had been pitched into action on the wing at half-time, did the rest and finished under the posts.

Cue wild celebrations among the vociferous Fijiana support within York Community Stadium.

Fiji found themselves 24-7 behind at the time and although they conceded seven tries in the final half an hour – six of them to Schell – to lose 65-7, it gives them something to cling to as they prepare to face Scotland in Manchester next Saturday.

“It was amazing,” Lomani said afterwards. “I wasn’t expecting it, but you know what, it’s a good try and good support from the team as well.”

She added: “That’s always one of our strengths as a Fijiana team. You know, when that space opens up, we definitely will take it when we get that chance.”

Head coach Ioan Cunnhingham said: “I think we showed in patches what we can do with the ball. It’s just we didn’t possibly have enough of the possession.

“So, looking into next week, it’s when we get those opportunities to gain possession, then we have to make sure we’re more accurate.”