Fiji Airways’ men’s national 7s rugby team opened their Hong Kong 7s campaign with a thrilling 26-21 victory over the United States. The match, played at the Kai Tak Stadium, saw Fiji face tough competition but ultimately emerge victorious.
In the first half, Fiji struggled against strong US defense but managed to score tries from Filipe Sauturaga, captain Jeremaia Matana, and Joji Nasova, leading to a 14-14 stalemate at halftime. The second half saw Fiji regain composure and add to their score with another try from Nasova, which was converted, pushing the score to 19-14. Newcomer Sikeli Basiyalo then made his mark by scoring another try, further solidifying Fiji’s lead. The USA fought back with a converted try from Jack Wendling, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Fiji’s lead.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau commended the USA’s effort, acknowledging them as a formidable opponent. His message at halftime emphasized the importance of their defensive efforts. As Kolinisau observed, the team’s willingness to defend tenaciously is a testament to their determination and resilience.
As the tournament progresses, Fiji is set to face Ireland in their second pool match, and fans remain hopeful about their journey in the competition.
Meanwhile, Fiji Airways’ Fijiana women’s 7s team also recorded a victory, overcoming Ireland with a score of 26-17 in their opening pool match, highlighting the strong performance of both teams in the tournament so far.
The positive trajectory of Fiji’s teams showcases their competitive spirit, and there is a growing sense of optimism among fans as they anticipate more exciting matches ahead.
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