The thrilling match between Fiji and France in the cup semi-final of the Hong Kong 7s ended in heartbreak for the Fijian team, as they lost 17-24 in a contest marked by shifting dominance and critical moments. In the dying seconds, a review by the Television Match Official (TMO) granted France a decisive try from Mateo Garcia, sealing the match with a last-minute decision.
Fiji came out strong, with Joseva Talacolo scoring the opening try early on, followed by another try from Iowane Teba. However, France quickly rallied, showcasing their resilience and scoring two tries, taking a lead into halftime. The second half saw Fiji fighting back, with Teba managing to equalize the score late in the game.
Regrettably for Fiji, a crucial scrum loss in the final seconds tipped the advantage to France, who capitalized on the opportunity to secure the victory. Head coach Osea Kolinisau highlighted missed chances by Fiji and expressed regret over wasted possessions. Notably, injuries also clouded the match, as Teba was seen limping towards the end.
Fiji’s journey didn’t end here, as they prepared to face Australia in the third-place playoffs later that evening. Despite this heartbreaking loss, the team’s performance throughout the tournament reflects their competitive spirit and the potential for future success. Fans remain hopeful as Fiji continues to develop and hone their skills, looking forward to the next challenges ahead.
The resilience shown by the Fiji team in recovery from setbacks, alongside their thrilling matches against formidable teams, sparks optimism among supporters for their journey ahead in the world of rugby sevens.
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