Fijiana looking to maintain perfect record against Springboks

The Vodafone Fijiana XV is set to face the Springbok Women in the opening Test of their two-match series, aiming to preserve their undefeated record against the South African side. The teams have met only once before, during the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where Fiji achieved a significant 21-17 victory. This win was not only Fiji's first-ever Women's Rugby World Cup triumph but also stands as one of the team's most notable achievements.

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As you know, it’s a historical game for us. First time for us to host South Africa in Fiji. So we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday, and we’re expecting a hard game as well from the South African team.

Tomorrow's clash at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva carries historical weight, as it will be the first time Fiji hosts the Springbok Women. Fijiana captain Kolora Lomani emphasized the importance of the occasion for her players. "As you know, it’s a historical game for us. First time for us to host South Africa in Fiji," Lomani stated. She anticipates a challenging match, acknowledging the Springboks' renowned physical approach.

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I think we’re just focusing on the collision of the game. They’re a strong team, and we’re not taking them lightly.

Lomani highlighted the importance of the forward battle, stating, "I think we’re just focusing on the collision of the game. They’re a strong team, and we’re not taking them lightly." She stressed the need for a strong start, adding, "The first 20 minutes of the game we have to come hard and let them know they’re not going to walk over us. We’re going to have to play hard and spread the ball out wide when we can."

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The first 20 minutes of the game we have to come hard and let them know they’re not going to walk over us. We’re going to have to play hard and spread the ball out wide when we can.

South Africa's captain, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, echoed the sentiment, expecting a highly physical encounter. "We know the Fijiana team is very physical, as we are. So I think it’s going to be a really great collision game to test the set-piece dominance," she commented. Ranked 10th globally, South Africa faces 13th-ranked Fiji in a match that promises intense competition as both teams seek to build momentum on the international stage. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. tomorrow and will be broadcast live on FBC Sports.

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We know the Fijiana team is very physical, as we are. So I think it’s going to be a really great collision game to test the set-piece dominance.