The Fiji 7s rugby team has successfully advanced to the semifinals of the HSBC Hong Kong SVNS tournament, achieving a hard-fought 31-28 victory over Spain in extra time at Kai Tak Stadium. Iowane Teba was pivotal in Fiji’s win, scoring a crucial penalty drop goal that sealed their progression in the tense matchup.
Fiji established an early lead, with Filipe Sauturaga scoring the first try in the opening minute and successfully converting to put Fiji ahead 7-0. Sevuloni Mocenacagi quickly followed, extending their lead to 14-0 with another try and Teba’s conversion. However, Spain rallied before the halftime break, capitalizing on their possession when Juan Ramos crossed over for a try, leaving the score at 14-7 as they went into the half.
In the second half, Fiji scored two more tries, one from George Bose and another from Teba, which seemed to put them in a strong position. Yet, Spain responded resiliently, with Angel Bozal and Jeremy Trevithick scoring to tighten the contest. Alejandro Lafargo’s try equalized the match at 28-28, forcing extra time.
During the exciting extra period, a penalty was awarded to Fiji when Spain’s pack infringed at the restart. Teba calmly slotted the penalty, ensuring Fiji’s spot in the semifinals.
This win echoes Fiji’s previous performances, where they demonstrated resilience and skill, as seen in their previous victories over strong teams like France and Argentina. The anticipation among fans is high as Fiji continues its quest for glory, showcasing both their talent and teamwork.
The journey ahead looks promising for Fiji, demonstrating their passion and tenacity in the sport, which inspires hope for further success in this tournament and beyond.
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