The Fiji men’s rugby sevens team overcame an early challenge to secure a 21-15 victory against Spain in their opening match at the HSBC SVNS Dubai tournament held in the United Arab Emirates. Although Fiji started the match with a disadvantage due to a yellow card issued to Filipe Sauturaga, their strong defense proved effective in maintaining the lead throughout the game.
Impressively, all three of Fiji’s tries were scored by debutants. Kavekini Tanivanuakula showcased his talent by scoring two tries, one before and one after halftime, while George Bose added the crucial third try in the 11th minute. Contributions from Sauturaga, Terio Veilawa, and Joji Nasova, who each successfully converted a try, added to Fiji’s overall score, proving vital for their success.
Spain responded with three tries from Eduardo Lopez, Francisco Cosculleuela, and Roberto Ponce but ultimately fell short. Looking ahead, Fiji is set to take on the USA in their next match at 9:52 PM, an opportunity for them to further build on their strong performance.
This match not only highlights the resilience of the Fijian team in the face of adversity but also showcases the promising talent of its newcomers, setting an optimistic tone for the rest of the tournament. As the competition continues, fans can look forward to seeing how these young players develop and contribute to Fiji’s legacy in rugby sevens.
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