The Fiji Airways 7s rugby team experienced a surprising defeat, losing 17-24 to Uruguay in their opening match at the Perth 7s tournament in Australia. Fiji started strong, racing to a 17-nil lead in the first half thanks to tries from Rupeni Kabu, Terio Veilawa, and Joji Nasova. However, Uruguay’s determination led them to respond with a try, closing the gap to 5-17 at halftime.

The second half saw a dramatic turn of events. Uruguay capitalized on Fiji’s errors, scoring three unanswered tries to secure a historic victory. This loss marks a significant turnaround from Fiji’s previous performance against Uruguay, where they dominated with a score of 63-7 during the HSBC Cape Town Sevens. That match highlighted Fiji’s strength and skill as they showcased an impressive offensive strategy, scoring ten tries and converting them all.

Fiji’s next match in the Perth 7s is against Kenya, scheduled for 7:59 PM. The team will need to regroup and strategize to bounce back from this defeat and maintain their competitive edge in the tournament.

In summary, while this loss was disappointing for the Fijian team, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability in rugby sevens. Fans can remain hopeful that Fiji will learn from this experience and demonstrate resilience in their upcoming matches. With their history of strong performances, including multiple Olympic successes, there is potential for a remarkable comeback.