The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team has qualified for the semi finals of the Sydney 7s after beating Australia 22‑17.
🎥 Reaction: @fijirugby’s captain Kalione Nasoko on his sides win over Australia (22-17) in the cup quarter-finals #Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/stdW30heT7
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 3, 2019
Australia was the defending champions.
Fiji will now play New Zealand in the first semi‑final at 5.16pm today.
Fiji was winning 10‑5 at half‑time.
Waisea Nacuqu sustained an injury in the first‑half.
Australia scored first through Maurice Longbottom before Terio Tamani levelled the scores for Fiji.
Mesulame Kunavula scored Fiji’s second try on the stroke of half‑time.
Kunavula was shown the yellow card for throwing the ball away after Australia was awarded a penalty.
Australia took advantage of that by scoring two tries and taking a 17‑10 lead.
Alasio Naduva once again showed his speed as he raced away to score a try to level the scores.
Naduva then scored his second and the match winning try after a brilliant turnover by the Fiji team.
Nasoko told World Rugby that it feels like they are playing at home in Sydney.
He says that they are ready for the semi‑final against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has defeated France 28‑5 in their quarter‑final match.
🎥 Reaction: @AllBlacks7s Regan Ware spoke to us after his side secured their spot in the semis with a win over France #Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/Gyvnp3M0iA
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 3, 2019
New Zealand’s tries were scored by Jona Nareki, Regan Ware, Sam Dickson and Tone Ng Shiu.
Regan Ware told World Rugby that for them to beat Fiji, all players will need to play for the full 14 minutes.
The second semi‑final will be between England and USA at 5.38pm.
The final will start at 9.56 tonight.
Thumbs up if you're in the semi-final... 👍#Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/t9WOpiVYk9
— HSBC Sport (@HSBC_Sport) February 3, 2019
