Fiji secured a thrilling 21-19 victory over Ireland in their second Pool C match at the Hong Kong 7s, successfully booking their place in the Cup quarterfinals. The match was highly competitive, with Ireland initially dominating possession and taking an early lead with two quick tries from Dylan O’Grady and Brian Mullen, giving them a 12-0 advantage.
Despite struggling in the early phases due to handling errors, Fiji managed to settle down with a brilliant 70-meter try from speedster Viwa Naduvalo just before halftime, narrowing the gap to 12-7. Ireland extended their lead shortly after the break with a try from Josh Costello, who capitalized on a mistake to score the corner, solidifying their position at 19-7.
However, Fiji demonstrated remarkable resilience, refusing to back down as Joji Nasova scored twice in quick succession to level the score. With the clock winding down, it was up to replacement playmaker Iowane Teba, who kicked the winning conversion, sealing the win for Fiji.
This match reflects the team’s tenacity and ability to regroup under pressure, a trait they exhibited in their earlier matches, such as the commanding 42-20 victory over the USA at the HSBC Dubai 7s. In that earlier tournament, Fiji similarly showcased their ability to adapt and overcome early setbacks.
Fiji will now face Argentina in their pool decider, with fans anxiously anticipating yet another exciting display from the South Sea Islanders. Their path forward looks promising, bolstered by their recent performances, and fans are hopeful that Fiji will continue to shine on the international stage.
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