The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side have started their Dubai 7s campaign on a high after beating the USA 19-7 in their first pool game.
The Fijiana ran in tries to Lavena Cavuru, Silika Qalo and debutant Atelaite Ralivanawa with conversions from Cavuru and Kelerayani Luvu.
A bit of ill discipline in the first half as Qalo was shown a yellow card in the third minute for a tackle that slipped up.
The USA scored through Kaylen Thomas and led 7-5 at halftime.
The Fijiana powered back into the game with a try to Qalo before Ralivanawa put things out of reach for the USA scoring at fulltime.
Verenaisi Ditavutu after the game says while the weather is a bit like Fiji it is still a bit hotter in Dubai.
The Fijiana play France next at 9.59pm. They will then take on New Zealand at 1.27am tomorrow.
The women’s semifinals begin at 9.12pm tomorrow, with the final scheduled for 3.35am Monday.
In other games, the New Zealand Women edged France 24-21.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Men’s 7s team will open their Dubai campaign against Argentina at 9.10pm tonight, before taking on South Africa at 12.16am tomorrow and France at 4.12am tomorrow.
The men’s semifinals will begin at 10.06pm tomorrow, with the final set for 4.11am Monday.
UPDATES
Full Time: Fijian 19-7 USA
12" France concede a penalty on Fijian's 5 metre, Fijiana opt for a scrum
10" Fijiana using the sideline as an extra player as they drive France over
9" Fijiana get the scrum after a crunching tackle to Sarah Levy
8" Fijiana knock it on at the restart, USA scrum
FIJI 12-7 USA
She was the one that was yellow carded in the first half
7" Fijiana with ball in hand, Silika Qalo scoring a try
FIJI 5-7 USA
Kaylen Thomas gets USA on the board as the halftime hooter blows
6" USA under pressure as they drop the ball cold from the kickoff
Fijiana score with 6 players on the field
TRY!! Lavenia Cavuru
5" USA turn it over but then knock it on
4" Fiji get a penalty, USA not releasing
3' Yellow Card to Qalo!!
