The Fiji Airways National Men’s 7s team has defeated USA in their first pool match, with Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Development player Isikeli Basiyalo scoring on debut in the HSBC Hong Kong 7s.
Fiji struck first through Filipe Sauturaga in the opening seconds before the USA quickly replied with a converted try of their own to tie the score at 7-7.
Skipper Jeremaia Matana exposed some weak defence with a thundering run through the centre to dot down under the sticks extending the lead to 14-7.
The USA responded with a try to Lucas Lacamp to tie the score at 14-14 heading into half-time.
Joji Nasova put Fiji into the lead again straight after the break with a bit of individual play outpacing the defence down the sideline.
Basiyalo on debut for the Fijians was able to power over a USA player to score extending the lead to 26-14.
In the last 3 minutes of play, the referee missed two forward passes by the USA as he gave them a long advantage which finally was converted into a try.
The USA took the kickoff quickly with seconds to play but Fiji received the ball and booted it into touch.
They will face Ireland at 7.58 tonight and meet Argentina at 4.11pm tomorrow.
In other games, Great Britain beat France 12-7, while Kenya thumped Spain 19-0.
The cup quarter finals will kick off at 9.51pm tomorrow, the cup semi finals will start at 7pm Sunday and the cup final will kick off at 11.46pm Sunday.
Match Report
Kick off
Fiji struck first through Filipe Sauturaga but the USA quickly replies with a try of their own
FIJ 7-7 USA
Jeremaia Matana gets Fiji's second try
Converted
FIJ 14-7 USA
USA responds with a try to Lucas Lacamp
Half Time
Fiji 14-14 USA
Joji Nasova with a bit of individual play runs down the sideline outpacing the defence
FIJ 21-14 USA
Sauturaga with the kick off
Penalty to Fiji
Matana still down, he has rolled to the sideline
USA on the attack now
Try!!
Basiyalo scores on debut
FIJ 26-14 USA
Ireland tries to go for the corner but Basiyalo bundles him into touch
Ref seems to be missing the forward passes by the USA
USA finally scores after a very long advantage given by the referee
FIJ 26-19 USA
Fiji kicks the ball out
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