Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s veteran Ana Maria Naimasi broke the hearts of the Brazil Women’s 7s side after scoring the winning try at the stroke of fulltime to help them secure a 22-19 win and also book a 9th place playoff showdown against China later tonight.
Brazil scored the first points of the match with a converted try to Thalita Costa before Fiji replied with an unconverted try to Lavena Cavuru in the 4th minute to trail 7-5.
Yasmim Soares extended Brazil’s lead to 12-5 with an unconverted try before Fiji levelled the score at the stroke of halftime with a converted try to Varanisese Qoro.
Fiji hit the lead with an unconverted try to Vika Nakacia in the 11th minute before Costa scored her second converted try for Brazil to put them ahead 19-17 with few seconds left on the clock.
A blunder from the kickoff by Brazil proved too costly for them as Fiji capitalised and had Naimasi diving over in the corner after the hooter sounded to give them the win.
The Fijiana will take on China at 10.50pm tonight.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Airway Fiji Men’s 7s side will take on France at 12.18 midnight tonight in the second semi final.
Spain will play South Africa in the Men’s first cup semi final at 11.56 tonight.
Stay with us for updates.
