Canada Triumphs Over Fijiana in Nail-Biting Paris 2024 Opener: A 17-14 Thriller

In their opening match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Fijiana faced a tough contest against Canada, ultimately falling short with a final score of 17-14. The game saw a promising start for Canada, who capitalized on their opportunities with two well-executed tries in the first half.

Despite a valiant effort from Fiji, including standout performances from players like Reapi Uluinasau, who made two significant line breaks but was unable to find support, the Fijiana struggled to convert their possession into points.

Canada’s first-half dominance was evident as they built a 12-0 lead. Fiji’s resilience came to the forefront after the break when Maria Rokotuisiga showcased her skill with a brilliant dummy run from 40 meters out, slicing through the Canadian defense to score Fiji’s first try.

The momentum seemed to shift in Fiji’s favor momentarily, but Canada responded with a try in the corner, pushing their lead to 17-7.

In a dramatic finish, Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Laisana Likuceva, supported by Kolora Lomani’s precise pass, scored Fiji’s second try, narrowing the gap to 17-14. Despite their spirited effort and the late surge, Fiji couldn’t close the deficit, and Canada secured the win.

Looking ahead, the Fijiana will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face China in their next match at 7am. This upcoming game will be crucial for Fiji’s chances of advancing further in the tournament and recovering from their narrow loss to Canada.