Scotland beat Fiji 29–15 to reach Quarter-Finals
Emma Orr of Scotland is tackled by Nunia Daunimoala of Fiji during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool B match between Scotland and Fiji
©Photo by Molly Darlington - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
Scotland produced a composed and clinical performance to overcome a spirited Fijian side 29–15 and secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The Scots got off to a flying start at Kingston Park, with Francesca McGhie scoring within the opening minute after latching onto Emma Orr’s grubber kick.
Fiji’s early woes continued when Vika Matarugu was yellow-carded in the 9th minute for a high tackle. Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, Rhona Lloyd crashed over for Scotland’s second try just a minute later.
Fiji responded in the 25th minute through Loraini Senivutu, who dotted down in the corner to cut the deficit. But Scotland kept up the pressure, and on the stroke of halftime, Lloyd added her second try of the match as Scotland went into the break with a 17–5 lead.
The second half saw a brief resurgence from Fiji, with Manuqalo Komaitai scoring a try in the 51st minute. However, any hopes of a comeback were dented when Bitila Tawake was red-carded in the 56th minute for a dangerous shoulder-to-head tackle, reduced from an initial yellow after a bunker review.
Just a minute later, McGhie struck again with her second try of the game, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful making it 27-10.
Scotland extended their lead in the 60th minute when Emma Orr grounded a loose ball in the in-goal area. Helen Nelson added the extras, pushing the score to 29–10.
Fiji refused to fold, and in the 75th minute, Karalaini Naisewa powered over for a consolation try. But the final blow to their campaign came in the 79th minute, when Adi Salote Nailolo was sent to the sin bin, ending Fiji’s match with 14 players once again.
Team line up:
Scotland: Rollie; Lloyd, Orr, Thomson, McGhie; Nelson, Brebner-Holden; Bartlett, Martin, Clarke, Wassell, Bonar, Malcolm, McLachlan, Gallagher.
Reserves: Wright, Young, Cockburn, Ferrie, Donaldson, Stewart, Mattinson, Blacklock.
Fiji: Vueti; Nakoci, Ditavutu, Neihamu, Stolz; Kinita, Railumu; Senivutu, Tawake, Matarugu, Coates, Nakesa, Daunimoala, Fisher, Komaitai.
Reserves: Marawa, Naisewa, Robanakadavu, Yee, Waisega, Lomani, Luvu, Nailolo.
