The Fiji Airways Fijiana National 7s team opened their Bordeaux 7s campaign in France with a convincing 24-12 victory over Japan in their first Pool B match.
Atelaite Ralivanawa starred in the opening half, scoring two tries to help Fiji take control of the contest.
She crossed the line in the second minute to give Fijiana an early lead.
Japan responded with a try of their own to level the scores, but an unsuccessful conversion left the match finely poised. Ralivanawa then grabbed her second try in the sixth minute, extending Fiji’s advantage to 12-5 at halftime.
In the second half, Reapi Ulunisau added two more tries to strengthen Fiji’s lead.
Japan managed just one additional try, but it was not enough to threaten the Fijiana side as they secured a 24-12 win.
Fijiana will face Australia at 3:51am tomorrow before taking on Brazil at 11:32pm in their final Pool B match.
The women’s Cup quarter-finals are scheduled to begin at 1:30am on Sunday, followed by the semi-finals at 10:30pm later that day.
The tournament final will be played at 3:04am on Monday.
