On Saturday, in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, England opened their first match by gaining a spectacular 84-19 victory over Fiji. The match occurred at Auckland’s Eden Park, where England’s winning streak extended to 26 matches. It was the first meeting between the two sides in 16 years at the international level.
Sarah Hunter, England’s captain, said that they rattled us a bit with their physicality and their intent to run the ball in the first half. Moreover, she said we were a bit more composed in the second half, managed to go back to being England, and turned the game around.
Fiji started the first half with strong runs from Karalaini Naisewa and debut Siteri Rasolea, and both made two tries. Roela Radiniyavuni made a lateral drift across the defense, and Alowesi Nakoci and Sesenieli Donu added some efforts to put points.
In the first half, England made four tries and led the display by 24-14, and the lock Abbie Ward, wing Claudia MacDonald, and hooker Amy Cokayne scored touchdowns.
In the second half, England made more than ten tries, which led to England’s display, and at that time, Fiji looked physically and spiritually shattered.
Cokayne scored again from the rear of a maul, Lydia Thompson scored a double, and MacDonald added three more tries to lead England to victory.
Abby Dow returning from a horror leg injury, scored a fend, which was a wonderful moment for her. Connie Powell, Zoe Aldcroft, and Leanne Infante then crossed the line, and at that time, Fiji looked grasped by England players.
Senirusi Seruvakula, Fiji’s coach, said I am so proud of these girls, we were playing a professional outfit, and they got stuck in in the first half.
