Fiji surged ahead with a commanding 33-14 performance in the 5th place match against South Africa at the Hong Kong 7s.
The game commenced with Fiji’s Joseva Talacolo weaving through South African defenders and delivering a stunning offload to Waisea Nacuqu, who scored the opening try, making it 7-0.
The action didn’t slow down as, right after the restart in the 2nd minute, Jeremaia Matana leapt to catch the kickoff and dashed to the corner for another Fijian try, although the subsequent conversion was missed, pushing the score to 12-0.
In the 3rd minute, South Africa’s error was capitalized by Talacolo, who intercepted the ball and dashed under the posts for another try, with Bolaca converting to extend Fiji’s lead to 19-0.
South Africa then found their rhythm, with Shilton Van Wyk breaking free from Fijian chasers to put points on the board, converting his try and narrowing the gap to 19-7.
The first half ended 19-7, but early in the second half, drama unfolded as Fiji’s Talacolo made a pass that was intercepted by South Africa’s Impi Visser, who was then yellow-carded, resulting in a default try awarded to Fiji.
Continuing their momentum, Viwa Naduvalo in the 11th minute made a significant impact with a kick-and-chase, eventually scoring, pushing Fiji further ahead to 33-7.
South Africa’s Kat Letebele responded in the 12th minute with a try and conversion, settling the score at 33-14.
