Scotland booked their spot within the Ladies’s World Cup quarter-finals after battling to a 29-15 win over resilient Fiji at Salford Group Stadium.
One other early attempt from Francesca McGhie and a brace from Rhona Lloyd helped Scotland set up a 17-5 half-time lead however Manuqalo Komaitai’s rating after the restart left this Pool B conflict within the steadiness.
Nevertheless, McGhie’s fifth attempt of the event and Emma Orr’s wonderful solo effort — incomes Scotland a bonus level — helped Bryan Easson’s facet declare a hard-fought victory which ensures a top-two spot.
Fiji scored a late comfort by means of Karalaini Naisewa however their pool-stage exit was confirmed, with Wales additionally eradicated after Scotland joined pool leaders and favourites Canada on 10 factors.
Whereas they have been 10-0 up after 10 minutes, Scotland have been put by means of their paces in a hard-fought match, with two of their 4 tries arriving when Fiji have been right down to 14 with gamers within the sin-bin.
After scoring in lower than a minute in Scotland’s 38-8 win over Wales final weekend, McGhie wanted simply 94 seconds to open her account as Fiji have been caught chilly by Orr’s hack down the pitch.
McGhie raced on to the kick and grubbered a few metres earlier than diving on the ball for a attempt, whereas Fiji’s unhealthy begin continued when Vika Matarugu was yellow-carded for a excessive problem on Ellian Clarke.
Scotland took full benefit with their opponents right down to 14 as Evie Gallagher handed off to Helen Nelson down the quick facet from a scrum earlier than Lloyd completed in the appropriate nook within the tenth minute.
Fiji, although, regularly began to search out some rhythm as the primary half wore on and following Nunia Daunimoala’s beautiful break ahead, the ball was labored to Loraini Senivutu to go over within the nook.
Simply because it appeared Fiji have been beginning to get on prime, Orr scooped up a free ball and handed over to Lloyd, who exchanged passes with Lisa Thomson earlier than racing clear for a Thirty fourth-minute attempt.
However Fiji’s depth went up a notch after the break as they exerted intense stress and camped within the Scotland 22, with Naisewa held up over the road earlier than Komaitai dotted down within the 51st minute.
Scotland, although, responded properly to the setback as a driving maul received them near the Fiji line, with the ball labored to the left flank for McGhie to step inside Kolora Lomani after 56 minutes.
After Bitila Tawake was sin-binned for a shoulder-to-head problem on Elis Martin, Orr collected the ball on midway and shrugged off a few challenges for a incredible solo attempt on the appropriate.
Alowesi Nakoci had a attempt disallowed for a knock-on within the build-up whereas Kelerayani Luvu was denied a sure rating when McGhie sprinted the width of the pitch to pull the Fijian into contact.
Naisewa barrelled over with 5 minutes remaining earlier than Salote Nailolo acquired Fiji’s third yellow card late on.
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