The Vodafone Fijian 7s team had a shaky start during their World Sevens Series campaign despite beating Canada 26-19 in their first pool game last night.

The Olympic gold medal winners got off to a fiery start as Seremaia Tuwai scored two tries in the first three minutes with a conversion from captain Osea Kolinisau to lead Canada, 12-0.

The Fijians continued to dazzle the crowd with their quick offloads and speed off the mark.

In the fifth minute, Kitione Taliga got his first try beating two defenders to score, converted by Kolinisau to lead 19-0.

Canada managed to score before halftime with a try to Phil Berna converted by Nathan Hirayama.

After the pep talk from new coach Damien McGrath about respecting the ball, Canada stepped up in the second half.

Hirayama and Adam Zaruba ran rings around the Fiji defence to score a try each to tie the game 19-19.

However, playing catch-up rugby is Fiji’s speciality as Waisea Nacuqu scored the last try with 20 seconds to play. Kolinisau converted to end the game in Fiji’s favour, 26-19.

 Edited by Osea Bola.

Feedback: justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj