Fiji narrowly escaped defeat thanks to a last-minute heroics by Josese Batirerega, who clinched victory with a decisive try to beat Great Britain 15-12 in their opening match of the Los Angeles 7s today.
The match began with Great Britain’s Austin Emens showing his speed and scoring a try with a conversion within the first two minutes.
However, Fiji quickly responded with Ropate Rere making an impressive solo effort to score, although the conversion was missed, narrowing the gap to 7-5.
The Fijian team continued to press, with Joseva Talacolo setting up Ponipate Loganimasi for another try, taking a slender lead at halftime with 10-7.
The second half saw Fiji’s skipper Napolioni Bolaca, receiving a yellow card, a setback that Great Britain capitalized on as Tom Emery powered through the Fijian defense to score.
With the match on a knife-edge, it was Batirerega’s last-minute try, following a period of strong team play, that sealed the victory for Fiji.
Fiji will meet Canada in its next match at 5.30am tomorrow.
