The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side opened their HSBC SVNS New York 7s campaign on a high note after defeating France 22-17 this morning.
France got off to a strong start with a double from their captain Lou Noel to lead 12-0, but the Fijiana girls responded with two tries to Atelaite Ralivanawa and Ana Maria Naimasi to close the first half at a 12-all draw.
Sesenieli Donu showed her experience as she burst through the French defence inside their own 22-metre line and ran straight for the try line to put Fiji in a 17-12 lead.
France did not give up as they kept the pressure on Fiji and managed to get Anaick Konyi over the white line to once again level the scores with Fiji, but the final say went to Fiji as Ilisapeci Delaiwau dived over the try line in the final minutes to give them a 22-17 win.
The Fijiana next match is against New Zealand at 6.46am before playing Great Britain at 9.20am.
The Cup semi-finals will begin at 5.12am tomorrow, while the Cup final is scheduled for 9.14am.
Updates:
1st half
Kick-off: Fiji
2' Try to France. Lou Noel. FR 5-0 FJ
4 Mistake from Fiji as they lost the ball during attack. France gets a scrum inside Fiji's territory. FR 5-0 FJ
5' Try to France. Lou Nei gets her second. FR 12-0 FJ
6' Try to Fiji. Atelaite Ralivanawa. FR 12-7 FJ
7' Try to Fiji. Ana Maria Naimasi. FR 12-12 FJ
HT: FR 12-12 FJ
2nd half
Kick-off: France
8' Try to Fiji. Sesenieli Donu puts Fiji ahead. FR 12-17 FJ
12' Fiji's defence holds off France from scoring. They get a scrum in their 22m line. FR 12-17 FRA
13' France put the pressure on Fiji and they get a scrum. FR 12-17 FJ
13' Try to France. Anaick Konyi. FR 17-17 FJ
14' Try to Fiji. Ilisapeci Delaiwau. FR 17-22 FJ
