The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team were edged 26-21 by a strong New Zealand side in their final pool match in Cape Town.
Speedster Reapi Uluinasau scored the opening try in the 4th minute of play, Michaela Blyde of New Zealand responded with a converted try to level the scores at 7 all.
Uluinasau hit back immediately for Fiji with a converted try, while Tysha Ikenasio scored a five pointer at the stroke of half time.
Fancy feet from @nz_sevens
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) December 10, 2022
There was no stopping Michaela Blyde 🇳🇿#CapeTown7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/g0DGXj2C8T
Risi Pouri-Lane scored for the Black Ferns in the second half.
Captain Raijeli Daveua slipped through the New Zealand defense to score under the posts, however Jazmine Felix-Hotham put a brilliant display of footwork to score and extend New Zealand’s lead.
The Fijiana will meet USA in the third cup quarterfinal at 4:28am today.
In other quarterfinal matches, New Zealand will face Canada at 3:44am today, followed by France facing Ireland at 4:06am and series leaders Australia meets Great Britain at 4:50am today.
The womens cup semifinals kick off 9:24pm tonight, while the cup final will be played at 5:36am on Monday.
