Japan 7s W vs Fiji 7s W

Fiji struck early at Stade de Bordeaux (referee: Ella Goldsmith), with Ralivanawa crossing twice inside the opening seven minutes to put the Fijiana 12-0 ahead. Both tries came from fast-phase build-up play that stretched Japan's defensive line, leaving the Japanese scrambling across the pitch. The first was a powerful midfield carry that beat two defenders; the second was a poacher's finish from quick ruck ball on the five-metre line.

Ulunisau then added two more before half-time — tries No.103 and No.104 of her decorated HSBC SVNS career — extending Fiji's lead to 24-0 at the break. Her second was particularly telling: a sharp support line after a break down the left touchline, demonstrating the spatial awareness that has made her one of the most prolific finishers in women's sevens history. The Fijiana's offloading game and support running proved too much for Japan's defensive system in the first half, with Fiji converting all four tries to take a full 24-point advantage into the interval.

Japan regrouped after half-time and found their rhythm with ball in hand. The Sakura Sevens scored two converted tries — the first a well-worked move off the set piece, the second through sustained phases in the attacking half — to reduce the deficit to 12 points, showing the attacking enterprise that has defined their rise up the women's sevens standings this season. However, Fiji's defence stiffened in the closing stages and the Fijiana saw out the 24-12 victory without conceding further.

Fiji's blistering first-half output. Ralivanawa's double inside the opening seven minutes put Japan on the back foot from the outset, and Ulunisau's brace before the break meant Japan faced a four-try mountain at half-time. In seven-a-side rugby, a 24-0 deficit after seven minutes is near-insurmountable, and Japan's second-half response — while creditable — could not bridge the gap.

Reapi Ulunisau (Fiji 7s W) — The veteran crossed twice to bring her career try tally to 104 in HSBC SVNS competition. Her second-half work off the ball also helped Fiji manage the game when Japan mounted pressure. Ulunisau remains the cornerstone of Fiji's attacking structure.

Atelaite Buna Ralivanawa (Fiji 7s W) — A first-half double set the tone for Fiji. Her combination of power, footwork and finishing instinct was the difference in the opening exchanges. She is one of several young Fijian backs making a strong impression in the 2026 season.

Japan's defensive organisation — Despite the 24-point half-time deficit, Japan conceded no points in the second period and scored 12 of their own. Their scramble defence improved markedly after the break, and their ability to slow Fiji's ruck ball disrupted the Fijiana's rhythm. Japan's ability to adjust mid-game bodes well for the remainder of the tournament.

Fiji's four first-half tries to nil told the story: the Fijiana's offload game generated line breaks that Japan could not contain in the opening period. Japan's statistical improvement after half-time — scoring two unanswered tries — reflects a tactical adjustment that squeezed Fiji's attacking width, forcing turnovers and creating field position. The final score of 24-12 fairly reflects a match Fiji dominated in the first stanza and Japan shaded in the second.

The head-to-head record now stands at 10 wins for Fiji, 5 for Japan from 15 meetings dating back to 2017. Fiji lead the aggregate scoring 372-223 across those encounters. The average of 39.7 points per match in this fixture again held true.

This was the opening Pool B fixture for both sides on day one of the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series finale in Bordeaux (5–7 June 2026). Fiji's win put them in a strong position to reach the cup quarter-finals alongside pool favourites Australia, who also won their opening match against Brazil 45-7. Japan, after a promising second-half showing, recovered in their second match by beating Brazil 29-14 later that day.

Pool B featured Australia (the eventual women's champions), Fiji, Japan and Brazil. The top two from each pool advanced to the cup quarter-finals on day two. Fiji went on to face Australia in their second pool match, while Japan faced Brazil. Australia ultimately won the women's title in Bordeaux, completing back-to-back tournament victories and the overall HSBC SVNS world championship.

Fiji's first-half firepower was the difference — four tries in seven minutes, two from Ralivanawa and two from Ulunisau. Japan will take heart from their second-half response and clean defensive sheet in the second period, but the Fijiana's physical edge, offloading fluency and finishing quality in the opening exchanges proved decisive. A 24-12 scoreline that accurately reflects the balance of play in Bordeaux.