In a thrilling semifinal match at the HSBC Vancouver 7s, South Africa’s sevens team made a late comeback to defeat Fiji 12-10, securing their place in the finals. The game was marked by fierce competition, with both teams losing a player by the end of the first half: South Africa’s Sebastian Jobb received a red card for head-on-head contact, while Fiji’s Joji Nasova was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle after a TMO review.
Fiji opened the scoring in the first half, but South Africa’s Shilton van Wyk leveled the game with an unconverted try after the break. Fiji initially regained the lead with a try from Jeremaia Matana, but they missed the conversion, which would later prove crucial. South Africa’s Donovan Don made a decisive play by chasing down a kick and scoring under the posts, allowing Selwyn Davids to convert the try and secure the victory.
With this win, South Africa advances to the finals, while Fiji will compete against Spain in the bronze medal playoff, continuing their quest to secure a commendable finish after an intense tournament. Fans are hopeful for Fiji’s resilience and ability to rebound, as they have shown impressive teamwork and skills throughout their matches, including earlier victories in the tournament.
This match not only reinforces the competitiveness of the sevens format but also highlights the potential of both teams as they continue to navigate the international rugby scene.
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