The Fiji Pearls have lost 59-52 against Wales in their opening World Cup match.
Fiji had won the first quarter after a 16-13 lead but Wales came back to win the second quarter and took a 33-24 lead at the break.
Fiji Pearls Coach Kate Carpenter named an interesting starting line-up with Taraima Rara Mitchell as goal shooter, Afa Rusivakula as goal attack, Maria Lutua as wing attack, Alesi Waqa as centre and Jane Costello as wing defence.
Matila Waqanidrola started at goal defence while Episake Kahatoka was the goalkeeper.
Captain Mere Rabuka-Neiliko replaced Episake Kahatoka after the first half as goalkeeper while Sera Dakuitoga substituted Jane Costello at wing defence.
Taraima Rara-Mitchell’s shooting accuracy was 100 percent while Afa Rusivakula failed to put in 8 goals in the match.
Fiji was heavily penalised for contact and obstruction.
They had 7 contact penalties in the match.
This was also the first Netball World Cup appearance for Nina Cirikisuva, Jane Costello, Sera Dakuitoga, Episake Kahatoka and Alisi Naqiri.
The Fiji Pearls will need to win their remaining two matches against Uganda and Zambia to have a chance of reaching the qualifying rounds next Monday.
Fiji will now face Uganda at 1.20pm tomorrow before taking on Zambia at 5.20pm Sunday.
