'We wanted to make up a step up': Fijiana rewarded for WXV ambition

Fiji have lifted the first WXV Global Series Challenger trophy following a tightly contested clash with the Netherlands.

In the closing seconds of the decider, Fijiana won a penalty that secured the 20-17 victory over the Oranje Dames.

Fiji came out strong and raced into an impressive 12-0 lead at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground in the opening 13 minutes, with player of the match Merewairita Neivosa grounding the opening try and full-back Ivamere Nabura Rokowati adding the second six minutes later.

Just shy of half time, the Dutch found a way and Elisabeth Boot struck from a driving maul for her side’s first score.

Captain Linde van der Velden and centre Pleuni Kievit both darted over to take control of the game, but ultimately ill-discipline cost the Netherlands the lead they had fought so hard to get and Fiji secured the silverware in Hong Kong.

“I just feel so special,” Fiji winger Repeka Tova said after the hard-fought win.

“We’ve been working towards this tournament, and we wanted to make up a step up.

“We tried our best to execute all of the plays that we’ve been doing. We all tried our best and got the job done.”

The final day of the WXV Global Series Challenger had faced delays due to extreme weather conditions, with Spain’s encounter with Brazil having to be cancelled.

The 27-year-old explained, “The weather in Hong Kong is hot, so we’ve had to adapt to it.

“How we’ve supported each other is special. We’re here for a reason.

“It’s not the end here [after winning the WXV Global Series Challenger].

“We’ll go back and we’re going to review. We’re looking forward to the next year.

“I’m so proud of the girls,” she concluded with a big smile on her face and a winners-medal round her neck.