Vilimoni Botitu was a standout after the first round of pool matches of the Cape Town 7’s where Fiji went on to defeat USA 28-14.
Despite getting yellow carded and sitting on the sidelines for two minutes in the match against USA, Botitu topped the DHL Impact Player list with one try, seven carries, six offloads, and two tackles.
Avec cet essai de Vilimoni Botitu, @fijirugby - ramenés pendant une minute à 5 contre 7 ! - battent les USA, 28-14 au #CapeTown7s pic.twitter.com/TXsAPl6bqY
— World Rugby FR (@WorldRugby_FR) December 13, 2019
He received the yellow card for challenging a USA player in mid-air and as USA looked to bounce back in the game, Paula Dranisinukula was yellow carded for a high tackle.
When things looked to go USA’s way, Fiji held their defensive line well with five players and forced USA to commit errors.
Soon after, Botitu came from sidelines and scored an instrumental try which kept USA at distance on the scoreboard.
The @DHLRugby Impact Player table after the first round of men’s pool matches #DHLImpactPlayer #CapeTown7s pic.twitter.com/qV6ZiBJZfD
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 13, 2019
Fiji’s other tries were scored by Aminiasi Tuimaba (2) and Alasio Naduva (1).
In other matches, South Africa thrashed Japan 49-0, New Zealand beat Wales 43-7, Argentina beat Canada 33-21, Scotland upset England 26-24, France thumped Spain 40-7, Kenya beat Samoa 24-19 and Ireland defeated Australia 26-21.
The Fiji Men’s 7s Team will now face South Africa at 12.51am tomorrow before meeting Japan in their final pool match at 6.35am tomorrow.
The Cup quarterfinal is scheduled for 10.18pm tomorrow, semifinals start at 1.39am Monday and the final will start at 5.56am Monday.
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