Singapore 7s: Play For Pride
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber believes self-belief and national pride helped them beat England 24-12 in a thrilling Singapore 7s Cup semi-final last night.
Two tries to forward Josua Vakurunabili and one each to Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Meli Derenalagi led the defending champions to a determined victory and spot in the Cup final.
The Fijians lost star half-back Jerry Tuwai to a suspected hamstring injury in their opener against Canada and there were doubts about the team’s ability to cope without him.
But Baber, in his post-match interview, said the players matched the standards set by Tuwai and stepped up at a critical time for the team.
“(The win) is a testament to people like Jerry Tuwai who stayed the course and showed to the players exactly what the model is for being a pro player,” the Welshman said.
“It’s the standard they’ve (the players) got to hit and these boys know when they put the white jersey on, they have to die on the field.”
Fiji scored as early as the first minute after strong running by Mocenacagi drew the attention of three defenders, creating space for Vakurunabili to cross over in the right hand corner.
Livai Ikanikoda, playing at half-back, missed the conversion as Fiji led 5-0.
Vakurunabili crossed the line two minutes later for his fourth try of the tournament after again combining brilliantly with Mocenacagi, with Ikanikoda converting to extend Fiji’s lead to 12-0.
England speedster Dan Norton posed the biggest danger to the Fijians but was marshalled well by winger Aminiasi Tuimaba as the scores remained 12-0 at half-time.
Captain Paula Dranisinukula was sent to the bin just seconds into the second half when he tackled an England player in the air.
The English then captialised with the extra man through Harry Glover who crossed over in the left hand corner despite good defending from Tuimaba. Fiji led 12-5.
Dranisinukula nearly made amends for his yellow card when he crossed the line three minutes in with a charge to the line but the TMO ruled a knock-on.
England responded a minute later through Ryan Olowofela after a couple of missed tackles by the Fijians to level the scores at 12-12.
It all began looking a little for Fiji when Tuimaba was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on late into the match, but England kept at bay by a determined Fijian defence.
Mocenacagi then beat two players to complete a lightning-quick counter to score the winning try with Napolioni Ratu converting to make it 19-12.
Derenalagi then sealed the deal with an intercept try in the final play of the game to send the Fijians into their second successive Singapore 7s final.
PLAYER RATINGS
(Compiled by Leone Cabenatabua)
Paula Dranisinukula- Passed his first big test after veteran Jerry Tuwai got injured, lost two pool matches but managed to inspire this young side to reach the Cup final.
His only blemish was the yellow card in the Cup semi-final but he should be our leader right to the Olympic Games. – 8
Josua Vakurunabili: Showed his worth and getting back to his usual best. – 7
Meli Derenalagi: What can we say? Tough in defence, strong in the breakdown, our man for the high balls and lethal in attack. Remember, he’s only 20 and has a long way to go. – 9
Sevu Mocenacagi: Always in thick of things, quiet but needs to communicate a lot since he’s the most experienced member in the team. – 6
Isoa Tabu: An average tournament. Needs to step up and try to make the run on team. – 5
Apenisa Cakaubalavu: Sure in defence but need to focus on his ball handling skills. – 6
Napolioni Ratu: Showed he has a big heart after Tuwai was injured. Put his body on the line but experience was not on his side. – 6
Livai Ikanikoda: Struggled to keep up with the pace after two hectic weekends. Has to cut out individual play. Should be good for the London and Paris tournaments. – 7
Vilimoni Botitu: Just like Derenalagi, our go-to-man. – 8
Aminiasi Tuimaba: Showed his class but needs to watch his discipline and decisions as well – 6
Alasio Naduva: Took him time to settle down at halfback but is always around to offer support. Needs to work on his defence. – 6
Asaeli Tuivoka: A strong runner, a sure tackler. but still settling down. – 5
Edited by Anasilini Natoga
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