Dutch hang on to beat Fiji

The Dutch team started energetically. Pressured Fiji from the first minute and played constantly in the opposition half. The reward came in the eighth minute with a try from Gaya van Nifterik. The joy didn't last long, because two minutes later the score was tied again, but crucially the conversion hit the post.

For Isa Spoler, the game came to an abrupt end a short time later. It looked like she won't be able to go to Dubai because of a serious knee injury. Just before the half-time whistle, Anouk Veerkamp made it 12-5. The conversion was no problem for Pleuni Kievit.

Just after the break, with Netherlands temporarily down to 13 players due to two yellow cards, the visitors scored again to close the score to 12-10.

Fiji kept pushing. Attack after attack was repulsed and another score did not materialize.

After the final whistle, the party erupted on the field and in the stands. "I'm super-, super- and mega-happy'', national coach Sylke Haverkorn exulted. And then quickly face reality. "It wasn't one hundred percent yet, because we left it a bit with set-pieces, line-outs. There is plenty of room for improvement. Overall, I am very proud of this team. We win against a team that has already qualified for the World Cup.''

For Emma van Traa, the game was unforgettable. As a substitute for Spoler, the player from The Vets made her debut in the national team. "This was not normal. I came in earlier than I expected and then we win. So beautiful that I was able to experience this with my family in the stands. Tomorrow I'll get on the plane to Dubai with a big smile."

Gaya van Nifterik was also overjoyed. "Of course it was great to score the first try, but this gives us a nice boost towards Dubai. Fiji beat Samoa and we beat Hong Kong last year. Of course, every game starts with a 0-0 score, but this offers a lot of perspective.''