The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team will now take on USA in the final of the Hamilton 7s at 7.10 tonight.
FT | 🇫🇯29-7🇿🇦 | @fijirugby are through to the Cup semifinals at the #NZSevens after a massive win over the @Blitzboks pic.twitter.com/IRBP0SWTB3
— HSBC NZ Sevens (@NZ_Sevens) January 27, 2019
Fiji defeated South Africa 29-7 in a thrilling cup semifinal.
Captain Kalione Nasoko scored Fiji’s first try and they were solid in their defence despite the strong attacking skills from South Africa.
UNSTOPABLE!
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019
Kalione Nasoko is a freakish mix of pace and power. What a score from @fijirugby's captain fantastic #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/G1JFcdTyMx
South Africa continued to pressure Fiji throughout the match but a strong run from Aminiasi Tuimaba who kept his balance made a cross for Fiji’s second try in the 5th minute of the first half.
South Africa continued to lose possession as Fiji strongly pressured them at the break downs.
Kyle Brown was given a yellow card for dangerous tackle on Meli Derenalagi and soon after an overlap allowed Fiji to cross for their final try before the break through Vilimoni Botitu.
Fiji led 19-0 at half time.
Coach Gareth Baber told his players during the half time break to keep up the pace and keep the pressure going.
#DYK Fiji 🇫🇯 has won 6 of the past 9 World 7s Series tournaments, dating back to #Hamilton7s last year 🏆#NZSevens pic.twitter.com/SgJ15wrKew
— Fiji 7s Team (@Fiji7sTeam) January 26, 2019
Fiji made another strong start in the second half with Sevuloni Mocenacagi creating the pressure, running straight at the South African defence allowing Waisea Nacuqu to score and extend Fiji’s lead 24-0.
The Fijian defence was solid till South Africa applied pressure towards the end of the second half with a kick and chase from Selvyn Davids to give them their only try.
Aminiasi Tuimaba scored his 7th try in Hamilton to seal the win for Fiji and make him the top try scorer in Hamilton.
Meanwhile, New Zealand who have not played in a home semifinal since 2016 were denied a place in the final as they lost to USA 17-7 in the semifinal.
South Africa will now meet New Zealand for the Bronze Medal final at 6.10pm.
Samoa will take on Scotland in the fifth place final at 5.26 this afternoon.
This is after Samoa defeated Canada 28-19 in the fifth place semifinal and Scotland beat Australia 24-14.
Fiji’s performance kept the massive crowd on their feet as Fiji supporters are out in numbers adding to the packed FMG stadium during the two day tournament.
The final of the Hamilton 7's between Fiji and USA will start at 7.10 tonight.
