Fijiana put on a brave performance and went down fighting 19-12 to Australia in its opening match of the Hong Kong 7s today.
The Saiasi Fuli coached side made a brilliant start and scored in the first minute through speedster Heleina Young.
Captain Raijieli Daveua scored Fijiana’s second try in the 4th minute and a successful conversion Ana Maria Naimasi put them up 12-0.
The Australians managed to hit back and score just before the break through Faith Nathan as they trailed 12-7.
Veteran Sharni Smale leveled up the scores early in the second spell before Australia lost Madison Ashby to a red card for a head high challenge on Ilisapeci Delaiwau in the 10th minute.
Fijiana also lost Younis Bese to a yellow card for an illegal challenge.
Australian players used their experience well and managed to snatch the win in the 11th minute through a Madison Levi try which was converted by her younger sister Teagan.
Fijiana will face South Africa in its next match at 7.12pm tonight.
