In a thrilling semifinal at the Cape Town 7s, young player Enahemo Artaud delivered a remarkable performance, converting a try in the final moments to secure a 19-17 victory for France over Fiji. Entering the match, Fiji held a 17-12 lead, but relentless pressure from the French side resulted in a late try by Simon Desert in the corner.
As the game approached its climax, it appeared that Fiji would take the win, having dominated parts of the second half and benefitted from a series of impressive plays, including a try by replacement player Iowane Teba, who impressively sprinted 90 meters to score. However, a crucial conversion was missed by Terio Tamani, leaving the door wide open for France.
France started strong with an early lead, having gone into halftime at 12-5. With the late-game drama and the stakes high, Artaud, who is participating in only his second tournament in the series, stepped up to the challenge and successfully made the tough conversion, evoking cheers from French fans and disappointment among Fiji supporters.
With their victory, France has advanced to the final where they will face the hosts, South Africa. This match not only highlights the rising talent in the French squad but also sets the stage for an exciting final where they aim to capture the title.
In summary, this unexpected turn of events showcases the unpredictable nature of rugby sevens and the potential for fresh talents to shine on big stages. Fans can look forward to an exciting final as France seeks to build on this momentum against a strong South African team.
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