In a thrilling finish to the semifinal at the Cape Town 7s, France clinched a dramatic 19-17 victory over Fiji, thanks to a last-minute conversion by young talent Enahemo Artaud. With Fiji leading 17-12 in the dying moments, France intensified their efforts, resulting in Simon Desert scoring a crucial try in the corner.
Although the conversion posed a significant challenge, Artaud, making only his second appearance in the tournament, stepped up under immense pressure and successfully turned the kick, dashing the hopes of the fervent Fiji supporters.
The match began in favor of France, who led 12-5 at halftime with Fiji’s George Bose managing to score. However, Fiji fought back with determination in the second half. Ilikimi Vunaki’s converted try brought the score to a tie, showcasing the team’s resilience. In a key moment, replacement playmaker Iowane Teba made an impressive 90-meter run to score Fiji’s third try, but the subsequent conversion by Terio Tamani was unsuccessful.
Ultimately, the final moments belonged to France, as they secured their place in the final against host nation South Africa.
This victory is a testament to the exciting unpredictability of rugby sevens, where young players like Artaud can emerge as game-changers. The upcoming final promises to be a captivating showdown with both teams eager to claim the title. Fans can look forward to an exhilarating display of talent and determination.
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