Fiji is out of the Vancouver 7s after losing 21-19 to New Zealand in the third Cup quarterfinal at the B.C Place today.
Akuila Rokolisoa opened the scoring in the 3rd minute and also converted to give New Zealand a 7-0 lead.
Two back to back tries from Pilipo Bukayaro and Ropate Rere saw Fiji take a 12-7 lead.
The Fijians had a chance to score another try as they were awarded a penalty just few metres away from the try-line but Napolioni Bolaca wasted the opportunity by opting to kick and spilled the ball.
Fiji narrowly led at the break but New Zealand entered the second stanza with a more determined approach and took full advantage of the mistakes made under pressure by the opponents.
Veterans Joe Webber and Sam Dickson’s tries and successful conversions from Rokolisoa put the Kiwis ahead 21-12.
A late surge from the Fijians saw replacement Viliame Naikausa score in the corner and Terio Tamani converted to make the last minute of play more thrilling.
Fiji was penalised for a restart infringement and New Zealand players smartly wasted time with the scrum and kicked the ball out to snatch the win and progress to the Cup semifinals.
