A powerful Argentina rugby side managed to edge the Fijian Barbarians 22-21 in the Cup final of the Sudamerica Rugby 7s in Uruguay yesterday.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer, John O’Connor praised the Barbarians for their fine performance in reaching the final.

“For most of the boys it is the first time for them to play in an international tournament apart from the Oceania 7s last year,” O’Connor told SUNsports.

“Argentina is a strong side. Our boys should learn from the game and come out stronger in the second leg next weekend.”

The Josateki Savou-coached Barbarians started well when they dumped Brazil 31-0 in the Cup quarterfinal. They went on to thrash a hapless USA 43-0 in the semi-final.

The two new Sudamerica Rugby Sevens tournament will be completed this weekend at the Mackay School grounds in Vina del Mar, which is on Chile’s Pacific Coastline.

Sudamerica Rugby chairman Marcelo Rodriguez has praised Fiji’s participation which has generated a lot of interest and also lifted the profile of the tournament.

“It is an honour for us,” he added.

The countries Colombia, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil are competing for the two spots to play in the World Rugby Sevens Series 2017/18 qualifier in Hong Kong as well as the invitation to play in the Las Vegas and Vancouver 7s later in the year.

FIJIAN BARBARIANS: Seru Cavuilati, Mesulame Kunavula, Levani Kurumudu, Meli Rusa, Semisi Matawalu, Amenoni Nasilasila, Kalione Nasoko, Sevuloni Naturudregadrega, Timoci Sinate, Rusiate Tadulala, Alivereti Veitokani, Nacanieli Lalalaba.

RESULTS: Cup quarters- Chile 19-12 Uruguay, Argentina 24-5 Canada, USA Falcons 14-12 Colombia, Fijian Barbarians 31-0 Brazil; Cup semis- Argentina 29-0 Chile, Fijian Barbarians 43-0 USA Falcons; Playoffs- Canada 14-12 Brazil, Uruguay 24-5 Colombia, Chile 19- 7 USA Falcons; Cup final- Argentina 22-21 Fijian Barbarians

STANDINGS: 1. Argentina, 2. Fijian Barbarians, 3. Chile, 4. USA Falcons, 5. Uruguay, 6. Colombia, 7. Canada, 8. Brazil

Edited by Osea Bola

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