Fiji has marked the end of a 22-tournament dry spell by clinching victory at the Dubai Sevens, overcoming Spain with a score of 19-5 in an exhilarating final held at Sevens Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. This triumph is particularly meaningful for coach Osea Kolinisau, who previously led Fiji to their last Dubai 7s victory in 2015 as captain.
The final got off to a tense start when veteran Paul Pla secured the opening try for Spain within the first two minutes, putting immediate pressure on the Fijian side. However, Fiji quickly responded, with Filipe Sauturaga earning the title of Player of the Final by scoring just before halftime, helping to level the match with a well-executed try.
The momentum shifted in the second half as Fiji demonstrated impressive determination and focus, adding two more tries thanks to captain Jerry Matana and Ilikimi Torosi. This performance secured a much-needed victory and a place on the podium for the Fijian team.
This victory not only breaks a long drought for Fiji in the sevens format but also highlights the resilience and skill of the team under pressure. It serves as a reminder of the potential for a bright future in the sport for Fiji. Fans and players alike can take heart from this success and look forward to continued achievements in upcoming tournaments.
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