[Source: World Rugby Sevens]

Filipe Sauturaga savored his first series outing with two tries in Fiji’s first pool match in Dubai.

The Fiji 7s side defeated France 24-15.

Fiji’s offload game was on point but their defensive game will need some work.

New faces. Same old @fijirugby

They might be fielding debutants galore, but some things never change for Fiji#HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/mZFd6Qol0N

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) November 26, 2021

The national side were threatened early when France struck first to lead 5-nil.

.@fijirugby. Exquisite 👌#HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/9sjPjZ3T3Y

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) November 26, 2021

The Saiasi Fuli coached side maintained their cool as Sauturaga raced away when France was penalized at the ruck.

[Source: World Rugby Sevens]

Iowane Teba made no mistake to convert the try seeing Fiji lead 7-5.

France was reduced to six men minutes before halftime, giving all the chances for Fiji to capitalize on.

[Source: World Rugby Sevens]

Waisea Nacuqu spotted the overlap, kicked the ball with enough effort for Sauturaga to chase and dot it down in time.

Fiji led 12-5 at halftime.

“There are plenty of boys who want to wear the white jersey and some of them are representing Fiji right now.” 🇫🇯

Josua Vakurunabili reflects on Fiji’s win against France and the strength in depth in the @fijirugby men’s squad #Dubai7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/BUmOaDcPFO

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) November 26, 2021

Kaminieli Rasaku extended Fiji’s lead quickly in the second spell, following a breakthrough from Josefa Talacolo.

Their handling skills were effortless birthing another try to Teba.

[Source: World Rugby Sevens]

It wasn’t game over yet for France who managed two more tries but it was not enough as Fiji held on.

Fiji 7s team captain Josua Vakurinabili says they are not out of the woods yet, and more work needs to be done in the next two matches.

“They did well, in the first pool game and I told them each game is going to be a final, so one game down and we are ready for the next one”.

Vakurunabili says as the majority of the players in the 7s team are new but are the best players picked from Fiji.

He says for new players, they performed to expectations.

“They are number one for their different club back in Fiji and they are here performing well, as first-timers too for the series so congrats to them for the good game”

Vakurunabili adds the Olympic 7s is history now, it’s time to focus on what’s ahead.

“That’s finished and we’re heading towards next year, the next series and our target is each game” 

Fiji’s next match is against Canada at 10:52pm and then Australia at 3:33am tomorrow.

You can watch the Dubai 7s live on FBC TV.