Fijiana centre Josivini Naihamu tries to run away from the Wallaroos defence on Saturday. Photo: FRU Media
It was a hiding. The Australian Wallaroos just had too much power, initiative and skills as they pounded the Fijiana women's rugby team into submission in a 43-7 win at the National Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
The rising Wallaroos led 31-7 at halftime, in the team's first-ever test played on Fijian soil.
Fans who decided to stay back after watching the earlier Fijian Drua win over the Reds in the Super Rugby Pacific clash rooted for the team from the grandstand, as the locals scored first through captain Alfreda Fisher.
But that was the only time they saw their national reps cross the Australian line.
New head coach Ioan Cunningham said at the post-match conference he was happy with what some phases of the Fijiana play, as he looked forward to the Rugby World Cup later this year.
"The performance showed real promise, determination, and resilience," he told the media in Suva.
"Our strength today was how we carried the ball with purpose. We just need to sharpen our execution and decision-making."
The Wallaroos, on the other hand, showed why they are going to be a threat at the world meet.
Wallaroos captain Sikapesi Palu (second from left) and Fijiana captain Alfreda Smith, with the Vuvale Trophy flanker by Fiji Rugby board chairman John Sanday (left) and Australia Rugby chief Phil Waugh at the National Stadium in Suva. Photo: FRU Media
Ranked sixth in the world, the Australians showcased their superior skill, structure, and fitness to cruise past a Fijiana side that, while physically committed, struggled with execution and pace over 80 minutes.
Fijiana drew first blood by capitalising on an early Wallaroos yellow card, with Fisher crashing over on the 7th minute.
But the Wallaroos responded swiftly through Caitlyn Haise, and from there, the momentum swung decisively in favour of the visitors.
Two Bienne Terita tries, one from captain Siokapesi Palu, and Desiree Miller had the visitors up in the lead at halftime.
The Wallaroos continued to control the second half with clinical efficiency, with Layne Morgan and replacement prop Tania Naden scoring tries in the second 40 to seal the game.
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu said her players were confident.
"It was a slow start for us, but I think we grew into it," she said.
"We wanted to play on our terms, fast and aggressive, and in some moments, we achieved that."
Fijiana prop Ana Korovata battles on against the Wallaroos at the National Stadium, in the team's Test match on Saturday. Photo: FRU Media
Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp praised his new players who featured in the test match.
"We had a lot of new players and combinations, and it took a while to find our rhythm," he said.
"The scrum was a real highlight for us today. Our debutants stood tall.
"We were really pleased with the scrum, all the props did really well and we had some debutants there, and they stepped up and did a really good job.
"I think for us the positive was the opportunity to give six new players in the set up with the Wallaroos, we've seen them perform really well at Super W so we need to see whether they can make that next step up and so it was great to see. We were a bit frustrated in parts of our game, but it was our first hit out, and on the whole, the girls stepped up well."
He praised Tabua Tuinakauvadra, who had blood ties to Nadroga, for an outstanding performance in front of the local crowd and some relatives who were in the crowd.
The 22-year-old was at number eight and proved to be a handful for the Fijiana players to handle.
"One of our players had her homecoming tonight," he said of Tuinakauvadra.
"She's not only inspiring future Wallaroos, but also the next generation of Fijian talent."
The Wallaroos have won all four tests between them so far.
However, the win was marred by injuries to two players heading into the Pacific Four series.
Maya Stewart went off early with a non-contact knee injury, quickly followed by Bienne Terita after hurting her hamstring scoring her second try of the game.
Both will head for scans when the side returns to Sydney, and could miss the team's test against New Zealand in Newcastle, Australia next week.
