Ubuntu-Bula trophy heads to South Africa after Fijiana XV loss

The Vodafone Fijiana XV rugby team fell short of claiming the Ubuntu-Bula trophy, losing 29-22 to South Africa in the second Test at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

Fijiana started strongly, displaying intent and physicality to pressure the visitors early on. This strong performance resulted in a 10-5 lead at halftime, with the home team appearing well-positioned to secure their first win against the Springbok Women on home soil this year.

However, South Africa returned from the break with renewed determination, increasing their tempo and applying significant pressure on the Fijiana defense. The visitors' ability to maintain possession and build pressure shifted the momentum. South Africa exploited gaps in the Fijian defense, converting their opportunities to take control of the match.

Despite a continued fight from Fijiana until the final whistle, South Africa's second-half surge proved decisive. The Springbok Women secured back-to-back victories in Fiji, taking the Ubuntu-Bula trophy. The Fijiana team is left to reflect on a match that showed considerable promise in the first half but ultimately slipped away after the break.