Early Tries Clinch A Place
Two early tries saw the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team edged out England 14-7 in their pool clash of the Sydney 7s last night.
That win saw the Kalione Nasoko-led side qualify for today’s Cup final The Fijians defended as England dominated possession but a loose ball saw a counter attack where Aminiasi Tuimaba scoring a runaway try.
Leading 7-0, strong defence by Fiji’s captain Nasoko, Vilimoni Botitu, Meli Derenalagi and Sevuloni Mocencagi saw them keep their line intact.
A moment of brilliance for veteran halfback Seremaia Tuwai who combined with Nasoko saw him go through to score the second try with Waisea Nacuqu’s conversion making it 14-0 at halftime.
Head coach Gareth Baber reiterated the importance of winning the re-start and to keep possession. A lapse of concentration from the Fijian defence saw winger Dan Norton alluding Tuimaba and running past Tuwai for a try which Tom Mitchell as they trailed 14-7.
England rover Dan Bibby copped a yellow card for a professional foul that avoided Alasio Naduva from breaking away for a try.
In an earlier clash Japan scored an upset 21-17 win over Samoa.
Meanwhile, despite losing their pool games by big margins Tongan coach Tevita Tu’ifua said conditioning was a major challenge for his squad, with 11 of their 12 players having made their World Series debut a week ago.
“Sevens now is no easy game,” Tu’ifua who was once the Tonga assistant 7s coach to the late Etuate Waqa said.
“We had witnessed it in Hamilton and again here.
“We treat it as such so we are expecting and we are loving the challenge, so we are pretty much confident within our group the way we prepare and approach to this tournament.”
The Tongans are also building- up for the Hong Kong 7s where they will play in the Series qualification competition with the hope of playing in the 2019/2020 Series.
They’re confident of qualifying and joining Fiji and Samoa.
DAY ONE RESULTS
Scotland 7-10 Spain, New Zealand 27-14 Wales, Canada 24-14 Kenya, USA 7-0 France, Australia 14-29 Argentina, South Africa 45-5 Tonga, Samoa 12-24 England, Fiji 29-5 Japan, Scotland 12-26 Wales, New Zealand 41-0 Spain, Canada 12-17 France, USA 41-0 Kenya, Australia 32-0 Tonga, South Africa 25-10 Argentina, Samoa 17-21 Japan, Fiji 14-7 England, Spain 21-5 Wales, New Zealand 42-0 Scotland, Kenya 17-40 France
– Edited by Osea Bola.
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