The Vodafone Fiji 7s team dream of creating history and defend their Dubai 7s title was shattered as they were defeated by Australia 29-24 in the semifinal earlier this morning.
Fiji lost control of the match in the second half as the Aussies ran riot dominating attack and maintained composure which led to their victory.
The Osea Kolinisau captained side raced to an early 19-0 lead in the first half with two tries from flee footed play maker Jerry Tuwai and Semi Kunatani.
Just seconds away from halftime Australia pulled one back as both teams went into the break with Fiji leading 19-5.
Lanky Apisai Domolailai scored Fiji’s only try in the second half but Australia rallied back until the final whistle to level the scores at 24 all and forced the match into sudden death.
During the sudden death period Fiji conceded successive penalties as Australia mount wave after wave of attack near Fiji’s try line before Greg Jeloudev sneaked in the corner for the winning try.
Meanwhile, the Vodafone Fiji 7s team has secured the third place playoff after beating New Zealand 26-12.
Fiji scored four tries through captain Osea Kolinisau, Semi Kunatani, Isake Katonibau and Vatemo Ravouvou while New Zealand’s tries came from Kurt Baker and Ambrose Curtis.
The win sees Fiji maintain their lead in HSBC World 7s series standings with 39 points.
In the Port Elizabeth 7s next weekend Fiji is in pool C alongside Scotland, France and Canada.
