The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team has topped their pool after defeating New Zealand 19-17 in a pulsating clash in the Sydney 7s.
The national side looked a lot more composed as they dominated in the breakdowns to get turnovers and put pressure on New Zealand with strong defence and strong contest during the restart.
It was expected by many to be a brutal match as New Zealand scored first from Andrew Knewstubb giving the series leaders an early 5-0 lead after the second minute.
📊 @NZ7s' Regan Ware still leads the @DHLRugby Performance Tracker but there's a strong chasing group at #Sydney7s#DHLImpactPlayer pic.twitter.com/ueiCjXlMuL
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2018
Fiji came back strongly with a converted try to Amenoni Nasilasila in the third minute.
Nasilasila continued his impressive form and scored his second try in the fourth minute.
New Zealand fought back before halftime with a try to Reagan Ware as Fiji led 14-12 at the break.
The second half was all about the coaches choices on when to make the changes but substitutes rolled in for Fiji in the fourth minute with Alosio Naduva, Jasa Veremalua, Paula Dranisinukula and Apete Daveta all providing the much-needed energy to keep Fiji going.
With three minutes to fulltime, New Zealand’s Luke Masirewa scored a crucial try which had many thinking it could secure the All Blacks 7s the win.
Fiji played to the last minute as they kept pouncing on New Zealand’s attack where they were rewarded in the dying minute with a try to lanky forward Josua Vakurinabili who ran for about 50 metres to score.
Captain Jerry Tuwai says they will regroup and focus on USA today and are hoping to go all the way to the final.
🎥 interview: @JerryTuwai from @fijirugby spoke to us about their win over the All Blacks at the death to finish the pool unbeaten #Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/DThWkJFDmy
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2018
Fiji will meet USA in the first Cup quarterfinal at 12.28pm today.
Looking at the other quarterfinals, South Africa will take on Kenya, Australia will face New Zealand while England will take on Argentina.
The semifinals will start at 6.36pm while the final will kick off at 9.48 tonight.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
