The Fiji Airways men’s 7s team triumphed over France with a score of 19-17, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Dubai 7s tournament. This matchup was reminiscent of the intense final from the Paris 2024 Olympics, bringing back memories of the closely contested battle that ended in heartbreak for Fiji.
Fiji started strong, dominating early possession, but faced a challenge when France’s Liam Delamare scored the first try, giving the French team a 5-0 advantage within the first five minutes. However, Fiji quickly responded; Filipe Sauturaga showcased his speed and agility with a try beneath the posts, bringing the score to 7-5 in favor of Fiji. Sauturaga extended Fiji’s lead just before halftime, netting his second try through a well-executed kick-and-chase to end the first half at 14-5.
In a dramatic turn of events during the second half, France clawed back into the game with tries from Jordan Sepho and Victor Hannoun, gaining a 17-14 lead with only seconds left on the clock. Yet, in a captivating finish, Vuiviwa Naduvalo showcased his remarkable speed, sprinting across the field to secure the winning try for Fiji just before time expired.
Next, Fiji will face Argentina at 10:28 PM tonight, building anticipation for what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
This victory not only highlights Fiji’s resilience and skill on the field but also paves the way for a hopeful continuation in the tournament. With such a nail-biting finish, fans can look forward to more excitement in the upcoming matches.
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