Wallaroos Outclass Fijiana in Dominant Suva Display

SUVA FIJI, May 3 – The Wallaroos stamped their authority in Suva on Saturday evening, powering to a 43-7 victory over a spirited but outmatched Vodafone Fijiana XV in their first-ever test played on Fijian soil.

 

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 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, capitalising on an early Wallaroos yellow card when captain Alfreda Fisher crashed over in the 7th minute, with Luisa Tisolo adding the extras. That 7-0 lead, however, was short-lived.

 

From the restart, the Wallaroos responded swiftly through Caitlyn Haise, and from there, the momentum swung decisively in favour of the visitors. Tries from Bienne Terita (2), captain Siokapesi Palu, and Desiree Miller highlighted a blistering first half for the Australians, who went into the break with a commanding 31-7 lead.

 

Despite Fijiana’s attempts to regroup, the Wallaroos continued to control the second half with clinical efficiency. Layne Morgan dotted down early after the break, and replacement prop Tania Naden capped the performance with a powerful close-range finish to seal the scoreline at 43-7.

 

The physicality of the Fijiana pack and their willingness to take the game to the Wallaroos was evident throughout, but unforced errors, poor discipline including a yellow card to Kolora Lomani and set-piece struggles undermined their effort.

 

In contrast, the Wallaroos’ ability to play at pace, their forward dominance, and polished backline execution highlighted the gulf between the two sides.

 

Post-Match Reaction

 

Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu, standing in as skipper for the week, credited her side’s growing confidence:

 

“It was a slow start for us, but I think we grew into it… We wanted to play on our terms  fast and aggressive and in some moments, we achieved that.”

 

Head coach Jo Yapp was pleased with how her new combinations settled.

 

“We had a lot of new players and combinations, and it took a while to find our rhythm… The scrum was a real highlight for us today. Our debutants stood tall.”

 

Yapp also praised the Suva crowd and the emotional significance of the match for several players:

 

“One of our players had her homecoming tonight. She’s not only inspiring future Wallaroos, but also the next generation of Fijian talent.”

 

For Fijiana, head coach Ioan Cunningham remained upbeat despite the defeat

 

“The performance showed real promise, determination, and resilience, Our strength today was how we carried the ball with purpose. We just need to sharpen our execution and decision-making.”

 

This was the fourth test between the two nations, and the Wallaroos now lead the series winning all four Tests

 

While the Fijiana team showed flashes of their trademark unpredictability and power, their lack of fitness and cohesion was evident against a well-drilled Australian side already eyeing bigger challenges ahead, including a clash with New Zealand next weekend.

 

Saturday 3 May,2025

VODAFONE FIJIANA 7 WALLAROOS 43

HFC Stadium, Suva

Kick off: 5pm

Half-time: 7-31

Referee: Natarsha Ganley

 

VODAFONE FIJIANA XV (1-15): Salanieta Nabuli (Lavenia Nauga Grey), Keleni Marawa (Bitila Tawake), Ana Korovata (Tiana Robanakadavu), Jade Coates, Mereoni Nakesa (Merevesi Ofakimalino), Alfreda Fisher (captain), Salaseini Railumu (Karalaini Naisewa), Rusila Nagasau, Kolora Lomani (yellow card 15mins-26) (Setaita Railumu), Salanieta Kinita, Alowesi Nakoci, Josivini Tuikilakila, Vani Arei, Repeka Tove, Luisa Tisolo (Atelaite Buna)

 TRIES: Fisher

CONVERSIONS: Tisolo

 

WALLAROOS (1-15): Bree-anna Browne (Martha Fua), Katalina Amosa (Tania Naden), Faliki Pohiva (Eva Karpani), Michaela Leonard, Tiara Minns, Siokapesi Palu (captain) (Ashley Fernandez), Ashley Masters, Tabua Tuinakauvadra (Emily Chancellor,), Layne Morgan, Faitala Moleka (Tia Hinds), Desiree Miller, Cesillia Smith, Bienne Terita (Charlotte Caslic), Maya Stewart (Trilleen Pomare), Caitlyn Haise

TRIES: Terita (2), Haise, Palu, Miller, Morgan, Naden

CONVESRIONS: Moleka (4)

 

Scoring Sequence (Fijiana scores shown first)

6mins Yellow card Australia Tiara Minns

6mins Blood Bin Fiji Sala Railumu replaced by Kara

7mins TRY FIJIANA Fisher, Conversion Luisa Tisolo – 7-0

9mins TRY WALLAROOS, Haise; Conversion Moleka – 7-7

16mins TRY WALLAROOS Terita – Conversion Moleka; 7-14

25mins YELLOW CARD FIJI, Lomani returned to the field

26mins TRY WALLAROOS Terita – Conversion Moleka (missed); 7-19

31mins TRY WALLAROOS Palu; Conversion Moleka; 7-26

37mins SUB FIJI Ofakimalino for Nakesa (blood bin)

39mins TRY Miller Conversion Moleksa (missed); 7 – 31

 HALF-TIME 7-31

40mins – Blood bin FIJIANA (return to the field)

49mins – TRY WALLAROOS; Morgan – Conversion Moleka; 7-38

65mins – TRY WALLAROOS Naden – Conversion Miller (Missed) – 7-43

Full time – 7-43