In a heart-stopping encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Canada emerged victorious with a narrow 21-17 win over a fiercely determined Fiji side in their Women's Rugby World Cup Pool B opener.
The match was a classic tale of two halves, with Canada's established structure and power eventually overcoming Fiji's breathtaking flair and relentless attacking spirit.
Fiji's Flying Start Stuns Canada
The game exploded into life with Fiji drawing first blood. Winger Lavena Cavuru electrified the crowd, slicing through the Canadian defence to score a spectacular try within just five minutes. The conversion from under the posts gave the Pacific Islanders a dream 7-0 lead, signalling their intent to cause a major upset.
Canada struggled to contain Fiji's explosive pace and offloading game early on, conceding numerous penalties. However, the experience of fly-half Sophie de Goede proved crucial as she calmly slotted two penalties to keep her side in touch, narrowing the gap to 7-6.
Canadian Power and Precision Prevails
As the first half progressed, Canada's forward dominance began to tell. A powerful driving maul from a lineout provided the platform for centre Sara Kaljuvee to crash over for a vital try. De Goede's successful conversion handed Canada a 13-7 lead at the interval, a testament to their ability to weather the Fijian storm.
The second half saw Canada extend their lead with a moment of individual brilliance. Winger Paige Farries showcased her elite finishing skills, gathering a clever kick through to dot down in the corner. De Goede's sublime touchline conversion pushed the score to 20-7, seemingly putting the game out of Fiji's reach.
A Fijian Fightback Falls Just Short
Refusing to surrender, Fiji launched a breathtaking comeback. Their relentless pressure was rewarded with a penalty, calmly converted to make it 20-10. The game's momentum shifted dramatically when a Canadian player was shown a yellow card, reducing them to 14 women.
Seizing the opportunity, Fiji scored a magnificent try through substitute Adita Milinia, who finished a sweeping move in the corner. The successful conversion brought the score to a nerve-shredding 20-17, setting up a grandstand finish.
In the dying moments, with Fiji pressing for a historic winning score, Canada's defence held firm. A final penalty from de Goede sealed the 21-17 victory, providing a slim but crucial buffer at the final whistle.
This pulsating encounter sets both teams on their World Cup paths, with Canada securing a vital win and Fiji earning immense respect for their courage and skill.
