More carries, more metres made, more possession for Fiji but it was Scotland’s incisiveness that proved decisive in this cracking Pool B match, with two second-half tries putting the gloss on for the women in blue.
Story of the match
The tone for a pulsating 80 minutes was set from the opening whistle. In no surprise perhaps to Fiji’s analysts, it was Francesca McGhie who struck first for Scotland. After three tries last weekend, the 22-year-old winger showed brilliant footwork to cushion a perfectly weighted kick-through from centre Emma Orr before flopping over. All in the first 90 seconds.
With Fiji wobbling – not helped by 10 minutes on the sideline for Vika Matarugu after a high tackle – Scotland helped themselves to a 10-0 lead. But then Fiji brought the sunshine. First a steal, then a barnstorming run from the superb Nunia Daunimoala before loose-head prop Loraini Senivutu showed great gas to gallop over.
For a while after it was all Fiji yet Scotland roused themselves just in time. Orr gobbling up a loose ball, and Lloyd bursting through for her second to send Scotland into the break 17-5 up.
To the delight of the 11,000-plus fans the action only got better after the break. If Senivutu’s effort was Fijian rugby at its best, the 51st-minute try by number eight Manuqalo Komaitai – a Buckingham Palace guard by day – is just as deserving of a spot in the highlights reel.
With rampaging replacement Adi Salote Nailolo to the fore, it looked like Fiji might steal it. But while nerves were fraying in the stands, Scotland just about kept their cool, two tries in four second-half minutes giving the Scots some breathing space.
It was needed. Fiji shrugging off the loss to a 20-minute red card of Bitila Tawake to close the gap again. But for a disallowed effort and a stunning late try-saving tackle from McGhie, it could have got even better for the Pacific Islanders.
MORE TO FOLLOW