The Fiji Men’s 7s team survived a major scare from Japan, and phases of determined play ensured a 24-19 victory in their first pool match of the 7s competition in the Tokyo Olympics.
Fiji scored straight after the kick off through Jiuta Wainiqolo after perfect execution and support play.
Wainiqolo then failed to pick up the ball in Japan's 22 in the 3rd minute and Japan scored from broken play.
Iosefo Masi powered his way to the tryline in the 4th minute. It was another perfect execution from re-start as Fiji led 12-7.
Missed tackles cost Fiji as Lote Tuqiri scored for Japan in the 6th minute after quick recycling.
Japan led 14-12 at half-time.
Japan started the second half strongly and took the ball clean from kick off and Fiji born Kameli Soejima powered his way to the tryline as Japan led 19-12.
Waisea Nacuqu showed some class and scored an important try from broken play after a fumble by a Japanese player.
Nacuqu again scored for Fiji after winning a penalty on the half-way mark and Fiji took the lead 24-19.
Asaeli Tuivuaka was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on in the 13th minute.
Fiji had another opportunity to score the last try however Meli Derenalagi could not dot the ball on the tryline after a great chase.
Fiji will now face Canada at 8pm tonight.
The national side will play Great Britain at 12.30pm tomorrow.
Meanwhile, New Zealand thrashed Republic of Korea 50-5 while Great Britain defeated Canada 24-0.
The quarterfinals will start at 8.30pm tomorrow, the semifinals will be played from 2pm Wednesday while the final will be played at 9pm Wednesday. Stay with us for all the Olympic Games coverage on our website, fijivillage.
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