Sevens

Fiji to meet Great Britain in Cup quarter-final

January 28, 2023 6:00 pm

Fiji captain Waisea Nacuqu against France in their final pool match [Source: World Rugby Sevens]

The Fiji Airways Men’s 7s side will go through as the top seed from pool D after beating France 19-12 at the Sydney 7s.

Fiji will meet Great Britain in the third Cup quarter-final at 9:35 tonight.

This is after Great Britain thrashed Canada 33-5 to qualify as runners-up from pool B while Australia topped the group following a 29-10 win over Argentina.

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Meanwhile, France had a dream start and was first on the board against Fiji through veteran Jonathan Laugel who crashed over in the corner.

Fiji got their act together two minutes later when Josua Vakurunabili put Vuiviawa Naduvalo into space who raced away untouched for a seven-pointer.

After some uncharacteristic errors from both sides, Fiji weathered the storm when captain Waisea Nacuqu struck on the stroke of half-time with his side’s second try as they led 14-7 at the break.

Nacuqu could’ve got Fiji further in front but he lost the ball on the try line early in the second spell.

However, Laugel got France back in the game with his second try with three minutes remaining.

Newbie Josese Batirerega gave the thousands of Fijian fans at Allianz Stadium more reasons to celebrate when he strolled in for the third try.

Fiji will feature in the third quarterfinal at 9:35pm.