In a thrilling semifinal matchup at the Cape Town 7s, young talent Enahemo Artaud clinched a dramatic 19-17 victory for France over Fiji with a last-minute conversion. As the clock wound down, Fiji was ahead at 17-12, but a late surge from the French side resulted in a crucial try by Simon Desert in the corner.
Artaud, participating in only his second tournament of the series, demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. Facing a challenging conversion, he succeeded, dashing the hopes of Fiji’s passionate supporters.
The match began with France establishing an early lead, going into halftime at 12-5 after George Bose scored for Fiji. In an exciting second half, Fiji mounted a comeback with Ilikimi Vunaki’s converted try leveling the score. The tension escalated as replacement player Iowane Teba charged down the field, covering 90 meters for Fiji’s third try. However, a pivotal missed conversion by Terio Tamani proved costly.
Ultimately, France’s final touchdown secured their place in the tournament final against the host nation, South Africa, showing resilience and skill throughout the match.
This encounter highlights the unpredictable nature of rugby sevens, where emerging players like Artaud can shine brightest in critical moments. Fans can look forward to an exciting final as France prepares to face off against South Africa, promising high-intensity action and skillful play from both sides.
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