Bitila Tawake of Fiji is tackled during the Pool C Rugby World Cup 2021 match between Fiji and South Africa at Waitakere Stadium. Photo: Fiona Goodall - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
The Fijiana have beaten South Africa 21-17 to get their first win at the Women's Rugby World Cup.
Fiji struck first through winger Ilisapeci Delaiwau in the 12th minute after some broken play and it was successfully converted by Lavena Cavuru.
A couple of missed opportunities where the Fijiana could have extended their lead, but luckily the South Africans were not able to capitalise.
Zintle Mpupha sliced through the Fijiana defence and dotted down between the sticks making the conversion easy for Janse van Rensburg to level the score.
@fijirugby score late to earn their first ever RWC victory!#FIJvRSA | #RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/8cPgSAKTRy
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 16, 2022
Akanisi Sokoiwasa cruises over for a try on the stroke of half-time with Cavuru getting the conversion to take a 14-7 lead at the break.
In the 59th minute, South Africa got a penalty and they power over on their second attempt after recycling the ball quickly and Hele diving over to level the score 14-all.
Janse van Rensburg strikes back with a penalty goal to give South Africa the lead with 40 seconds left, but the Fijianas had the last say with No 8 Karalaini Naisewa brushing aside the defence to score under the sticks.
The Fijiana will face France next Saturday at 6.15pm in their final pool game.
- Fiji Village
