The Fiji Airways men’s 7s rugby team triumphed over France with a narrow 19-17 victory, earning a place in the semi-finals of the Dubai 7s tournament. This match echoed the tension of the Paris 2024 Olympics final, reigniting the painful memories of Fiji’s previous loss to the French team.
Fiji started strong, controlling the game early and dominating possession. However, France’s solid defense led to their first score, with Liam Delamare crossing the line to give France an early lead of 5-0 in the fifth minute. Responding swiftly, Fiji’s Filipe Sauturaga leveled the match within minutes, scoring under the posts and putting Fiji ahead 7-5. Sauturaga showcased his skill with another try just before halftime, putting Fiji in a promising position at 14-5.
However, France rallied back in the second half, with Jordan Sepho and Victor Hannoun each crossing the try line, flipping the score to give France a lead of 17-14 just before the final seconds of the match. Yet, Fiji’s Vuiviwa Naduvalo dashed across for a crucial try, sealing the victory in dramatic fashion as the match neared its conclusion.
Looking ahead, Fiji is set to meet Argentina tonight at 10:28 PM, as they aim to continue their winning streak and secure their spot in the final.
This thrilling match highlights Fiji’s resilience and determination, showcasing the spirit that has made them a formidable presence in rugby sevens. As they prepare for their next game, fans are hopeful that the team will build on this momentum and deliver another outstanding performance.
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