Fiji Edge France in a High‑Tempo Women’s Opener as Harrison Comes Alive

By J.J. Pavlick | Sports Illustrated Stadium – Harrison, NJ | March 14, 2026

Harrison Comes Alive as Women’s Pool Play Begins

The atmosphere at Sports Illustrated Stadium was electric as the women’s competition kicked off on a brisk, sunlit Saturday in Harrison, New Jersey. The scent of sizzling sausage and peppers mingled with the aroma of local pizza and empanadas, as fans sampled the best flavors the Garden State has to offer. After a morning that saw the men’s pool play deliver fireworks—highlighted by standout clashes packed with high tempo, hard hits, and a roaring crowd—the stage was set for the women to take center stage in Pool A, right here in the birthplace of American soccer.

France Strike Early Behind Lou Noel’s Brace

France and Fiji, two global sevens heavyweights, wasted no time in matching the men’s intensity, serving up a pulsating encounter that kept the stadium abuzz until the final whistle. With the stands filling and anticipation high, it was France who struck first, Lou Noel bursting through Fijian defenders for a try just two minutes in. Noel doubled her tally moments later, giving Les Bleues a dream start before Fiji’s Atelaite Ralivanawa answered back with a spectacular score of her own.

Fiji Responds With Power, Pace, and Precision

The tempo never dipped. Ana Maria Naimasi and Sesenieli Donu powered Fiji ahead, only for France’s Anaick Konyi to level things up as the halftime hooter sounded, leaving the sides locked at 12–12. The crowd responded in kind, their cheers echoing across the venue as both teams showcased the speed, skill, and physicality that define the World Series.

Halftime Deadlock Sets Up a Fierce Second Half

The second half saw Fiji’s famed offload game come to life, with Ilisapeci Delaiwau capping a sweeping move to edge the Pacific Islanders ahead. It was a win as savory as a perfectly grilled pork roll, with Fiji’s creativity and flair leaving a special taste on the day. France pressed hard but couldn’t break through as Fiji’s defense held firm in the closing minutes, sealing a 22–17 victory that fans will savor like the last sweet bite of cannoli from a Harrison bakery—a triumph that set a high bar for the rest of the women’s tournament.

Both teams were thrilled with their clean breaks (three apiece) and dynamic attacking play, but it was Fiji’s ability to keep the ball alive—racking up nine offloads to France’s three—that proved decisive in a contest played at breathtaking pace.

With the men’s pool stage already delivering fireworks and a passionate crowd braving the early spring chill, the women’s tournament is off to a flying start. And in Harrison, where the roots of American soccer run deep, the rugby on display is every bit as bold and flavorful as the city’s storied sporting past. If this opening clash is any indication, fans can expect more drama, more brilliance, and more world‑class rugby as pool play continues under the bright lights of Harrison.

Fiji didn’t just win a match—they set the tone for the entire women’s tournament. After a men’s session packed with upsets, dominance, and pure chaos, the women walked in and matched the energy bite for bite, offload for offload. France brought the heat, Fiji brought the flair, and Harrison brought the flavor. If this is how Pool A opens, the rest of the weekend is about to cook.

At Bad Dawg Sports, we’re here for every sizzling moment—every pork‑roll‑powered crowd roar, every offload that defies physics, every match that turns a chilly Jersey afternoon into something unforgettable. Support independent sports storytelling for just $2/year and keep us in the stadiums, in the cold, and in the heart of the action—bringing you rugby exactly as it feels.