Captain hails many supporters who travelled to Hamilton

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s captain Kalione Nasoko dedicated their 54-7 win over Wales to their fans around the world.

“We’re thankful for our supporters who have come from all around the world to be here with in Hamilton,” he said.

Nasoko said the first game in any tournament was always tough.

“I’m thankful to the players for working hard right from the start to ensure that we had a good win.”

Head coach Gareth Baber opted to have Nasoko, Meli Derenalagi and Sevuloni Mocenacagi in the forwards.

Waisea Nacuqu and Seremai Tuwai were the playmakers with Filimoni Botitu at rover while Aminiasi Tuimaba on the wing.

The Fijians started strong with Nacuqu scoring the first try in the second minute followed by tries to Derenalagi, Tuimaba scoring twice and Mocenacagi as they led 33-0 at halftime.

Veteran forward Josua Vakurinabili copped a yellow card for dangerous play.

In the second pool game, the Fijians had to work hard to beat Argentina 33-24 to confirm their Cup quarterfinal spot.

Sloppy defence in the midfield saw Argentina score two tries in the first half which disappointed Baber.

“Make your tackles count, lift  your standard,” the Welshman told the players during the halftime break.

The Argentineans dominated the re-starts as most of Nacuqu’s kick-offs failed to find its mark,

Derenalagi ran in two tries after being set-up by Botitu who also scored a try along with Nacuqu and Alasio Naduva.

BAKER INJURED

USA and World Rugby 7s Player of the Year Perry Baker will undergo surgery on his fractured jaw in the US. This was confirmed by USA Rugby.

Baker copped a hard tackle in their pool opener against Tonga during the second half and had to be assisted off the field.

USA beat Tonga 29-7 and later confirmed their Cup quarterfinal spot with a 34-14 win over Samoa.

– Edited by Osea Bola

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