The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team has started the Vancouver 7s with a narrow 26-19 win over Wales.
Fiji’s first try was scored by Josua Vakurunabili in the 1st minute of the first half after he powered his way through a couple of defenders as Fiji took a 7-0 lead.
Vakurunabili got his second try in the 4th minute after some beautiful off-loads from Vilimoni Botitu and Sevuloni Mocenacagi as Fiji led 14-0.
Mocenacagi made a try-saving tackle just before the half-time mark however Jerry Tuwai was shown a yellow card for not being 10 metres after Wales received a penalty inside Fiji’s 22-metre line.
Fiji led 14-5 at half time.
Despite being down to 6 players at the start of the second half, Fiji got its third try after Vakurunabili made a break from the kick-off and off-loaded it to Napolioni Bolaca as Fiji extended their lead to 19-5.
Wales scored their second try to close the gap to 19-12.
Wales got their third try to level the scores at 19-19.
Fijian captain Meli Derenalagi and Waisea Nacuqu combined to score Fiji’s fourth try as Fiji led 26-19.
Fiji will face Canada at 10.49am today in their second pool match and battle France at 2.33pm today in their final pool match.
The Cup quarterfinals will begin at 6.19am tomorrow, the Cup semifinals will start at 10.14am tomorrow and Cup final will kick off at 1.28pm tomorrow.
| PLAY BY PLAY |
Fiji | 26-19 |
Wales |
| TIME | ||
|
Fiji kicks off |
'0 | |
| Vakurunabili scores first try for Fiji | '2 | |
Vakurunabili scores 2nd try |
'4 | |
| Mocenacagi made a try-saving tackle | '6 | |
| Jerry Tuwai yellow carded | '7 | Wales score their 1st try |
| HALFTIME |
|
Bolaca scores 3rd try for Fiji |
'8 | |
| '10 | Wales score their 2nd try | |
| '11 | Wales score their 3rd try | |
| Derenalagi scores Fiji 4th try | '12 | |
| FULLTIME |
