The Team Fiji men’s rugby sevens team did not have it their way during their two pool matches at the Rio Olympic Games at the Deodoro Stadium in Brazil yesterday.

In their pool opener, they had to fight off a strong Brazilian challenge to win 40-12. In their second game they were pressured by Argentina and managed a close 21-14 win.

Fijian head coach Ben Ryan was impressed on how they were tested early by the Argentineans.

“Argentina was a great side they tested us, we needed to be tested, you need to have tests, and you just can’t drive through the group,” he said.

“USA will batter us tomorrow and try to cause problems and they have got pace and they’ve got power and they will play to a structure now.  I’m sure USA will have a plan now so they can beat us. Tough game tomorrow before we can go in the quarterfinals, with what happened today we could be facing anybody tomorrow,” Ryan said.

The Fijians had a strong start in the first seven minutes seeing ‘the bus’ Josua Tuisova scoring the first try for Fiji converted by Vatemo Ravouvou. Argentina replied with a try to Franco Sabato and converted by captain Gaston Revol. The teams were locked at 7-all during the breather.

Argentina took the lead early in the second half with a try to Santiago Alvarez and Revol was successful with the conversion. It was not long when substitute rover Kitione Taliga ran in their second try with captain, Osea Kolinisau converting from far out. Not to be outdone the Fijians struck again through Taliga with Kolinisau adding the extras.

Ryan again reminded the players to play simple rugby.

“At half time I told the players play simple games, don’t panic too much. I thought we got caught a little bit in attack but we are not changing our plan. It’s working as far as what we want to do is just a little bit of execution.”

Ryan reiterated that they would not underestimate any team that cross their path.

“We’ve got 12 teams here and they are fit and in the most powerful shape they have ever been, to be in the biggest tournament. I hope we play fresh opponents in the quarterfinals but we can’t control that, we can just control what we can do. Keep our number one seed and play what’s in front of us.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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