Our cheering for Selestino got the neighbourhood up - Savai

Makarita Savai, the mother of robust Fiji sevens winger, Selestino Rataumada says they woke up the entire neighborhood in Nadi while cheering for her son in the wee hours of this morning as he played well, in both games against Uruguay and USA.

Savai says the neighbours came to join them as they cheered for Selestino despite the cold.

According to her, the banners are all hanging on the walls at home, with their tee shirts all done in support of Selestino.

She says even though they have not spoken since last week, she is positive Selestino has the mental strength to pull through and help the Fiji team bring the Olympics gold medal back to Fiji.

Savai says the nation's hopes are on the shoulders of this team.

Furthermore, she says the support from the vanua has been amazing as people from all over Taveuni are calling them to show their support.

She says the island is in a total frenzy watching the Taveuni boys, Iosefo Masi, Jerry Tuwai, Filipe Sauturaga, and Ravutaumada as they take part during the Olympics.

If Fiji tops its pool, it will either play New Zealand or Ireland in the 3rd quarter-final at 8am tomorrow. On this path, Fiji is likely to face Argentina or Australia in the 2nd semi-final, and France or New Zealand in the gold medal final.

Fiji is likely to play Australia or Argentina in the quarter-finals if they finish second in their pool tomorrow morning.

Fiji made a big statement in their first two games today. We beat Uruguay 40-12 in our first pool match and defeated the USA 38-12.

Fiji will take on France in their final pool match at 1.30am tomorrow.

The Men’s quarter-finals will kick off at 7am tomorrow. There will be a break on Saturday for the official opening of the Paris Olympics 2024 before the competition resumes on Sunday. The semi-finals will kick off at 1.30am Sunday, and the final will be at 5.45am Sunday.

In other results, Australia beat Samoa 21-14, Argentina beat Kenya 31-12, host France was held to a 12-all draw by the USA, Ireland beat South Africa 10-5, New Zealand thumped Japan 40-12, Australia defeated Kenya 21-7, Argentina overcame Samoa 28-12, France edged Uruguay 19-12 and New Zealand beat South Africa 17-5.