The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side has finished fifth in the Dubai 7s after defeating South Africa 24‑19 during extra time in the fifth place final.
Fiji’s first points came from Mesulame Kunavula who scored a try in the 5th minute of the game after breaking South Africa’s defence to stride over the try line.
South Africa soon answered with a try in the far corner from winger, Muller Du Plessis just before the halftime break to level the scores 7‑7.
Rosko Stepman.#Dubai7s @speckmagic11 pic.twitter.com/dK4Er4jkeH
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 1, 2018
Fiji started strong in the second half with speedster Aminiasi Tuimaba outpacing the South African side in the 1st minute giving Fiji an early lead of 14‑7 in the second half.
South Africa’s scored 2 consecutive tries giving them a lead over of 19‑14 over Fiji but a try from Waisea Nacuqu in the dying seconds of the game leveled out the scores 19‑19 taking the game into extra time.
The South African’s put up a good fight as they defended their territory but their hopes were dashed with a chip and chase from Tuimaba who scored a try to deny the Blitzboks 5th place position.
Meanwhile, Fiji had earlier lost to USA in the quarterfinal 24-14 but defeated Argentina 31‑21 in the 5th place playoff semifinal.
Watching Fiji v South Africa....what a game! 👍 #dubai7s
— Steve Tiernan (@Steve_Tiernan) December 1, 2018
