In an exhilarating semifinal at the HSBC Vancouver 7s, South Africa’s sevens team staged a dramatic late comeback to edge out Fiji 12-10, clinching a spot in the finals. The match showcased intense competition, with both sides 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 incurred a yellow card for a tip tackle following a TMO review.
Fiji set the pace early by scoring first in the match, but South Africa’s Shilton van Wyk leveled the score with an unconverted try shortly after halftime. Fiji managed to take the lead again through a try from Jeremaia Matana, although missing the conversion would later prove to be a pivotal moment. In a key play, South Africa’s Donovan Don chased down a kick to score under the posts, with Selwyn Davids then successfully converting the try to secure the win for South Africa.
This victory propels South Africa into the finals, while Fiji will face Spain in the bronze medal playoff, aiming to finish strong after a vigorous tournament. Supporters remain optimistic about Fiji’s resilience and capability to bounce back, as they have demonstrated commendable teamwork and skill throughout their matches, including impressive earlier victories in the tournament.
The match not only highlights the fierce competitiveness inherent in the sevens format but also underscores the promising futures of both teams as they continue their journeys in the international rugby landscape. Fans eagerly anticipate the final match and the bronze playoff, sharing in the excitement that rugby sevens continues to bring to audiences worldwide.
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