Vancouver 7s: Fiji Falls to South Africa in Semi-Final Clash

In the semi-finals of the HSBC Vancouver 7s, Fiji lost 12-10 to South Africa, despite leading early in the match. Joji Nasova opened scoring for Fiji, but was later penalized. South Africa’s Shilton van Wyk and Donavan Don scored tries to secure their win, leading Fiji to face Spain in the third-place playoff.

In a fiercely contested semi-final at the HSBC Vancouver 7s, the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team faced a six-man South African squad, ultimately falling short with a score of 12-10. They initially struck first, with Joji Nasova scoring the opening try, although he was later penalized with a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.

As the match progressed, South Africa struggled to score in the first half, compounded by Sebastiaan Jobb receiving a red card. However, in the latter part of the second half, Shilton van Wyk managed to score for South Africa, narrowing Fiji’s lead. Fiji countered with a try from Jeremaia Matana, yet in a dramatic turn, Donavan Don secured victory for South Africa in the final minute.

Following this defeat, Fiji is set to compete against Spain in the third-place playoff at 12:05 PM. South Africa will advance to the finals, where they will face Argentina at 1:05 PM, following their narrow victory over Fiji. The result highlights the unpredictable and intense nature of the tournament, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams involved.

In summary, the match between Fiji and South Africa was marked by significant intensity, with critical plays impacting the outcome. Fiji scored early but fell victim to penalties that shifted momentum in favor of South Africa. Despite Fiji’s valiant efforts, particularly from Jeremaia Matana, South Africa’s late try clinched the victory, allowing them to progress to the finals.

Original Source: www.fijivillage.com