Fiji sends chilling message to IDRC rivals with dominant win over Vodafone LooseHeadz

The team from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces have made an unequivocal statement in their opening game against the Vodafone LooseHeadz at the International Defence Rugby Competition. 

The Fijian side scored 13 tries in total, including hat-tricks from full-back Seini Raoma and tight-head prop Mereani Wakolo, to help their team to an 80-12 victory.

Right wing Eleona Naimata scored the opening tries in the first and second halves of the game to complete her brace.

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Other Fijian try scorers included Ivamere Rokowati, Lavena Cavuru, Vasiti Solikoviti, Viniana Solikoviti and Ilisapeci Suraru. 

The team from the Vodafone LooseHeadz, a civilian side taking part in the tournament, suffered a heavy defeat but did show moments of brilliance. 

In the first half, right-wing Makeda Lewis caught a brilliant cross-kick from skipper Eloise Hayward to catch the Fijians off-guard and dive over the line for a try, with Zara Martin adding the extras with a conversion. 

Replacement Hannah Thornhill outpaced the Fijians around the outside and raced to the try line to score a try of her own in the latter stages of the second half. 

The Fijians will go on to play defending champions France and the LooseHeadz will play Australia on 22 August.