Jerry Tuwai on attack for Fiji at the Hamilton 7s [Source: World Rugby Sevens]

Courageous defense led by young skipper Meli Derenalagi was the highlight of Fiji’s 19-12 win over Australia in their second pool match.

Head Coach Gareth Baber says they were really put to the test yesterday.

‘It felt like the first one as well with Samoa you know it was physical both games and we know teams will come and match us physically but I thought we were good for that then it’s a good Australian side they played some good rugby over the last couple of tournaments and we were fortunate enough to put it together and get that win.’

Asaeli Tuivuaka started for Fiji and got their first try but it was unconverted by Napolioni Ratu.

Fiji led 5-0 at halftime.

Fiji stepped up their defense early in the second half and they were rewarded with a try to Aminiasi Tuimaba who ran the length of the field to score.

This try was WILD! Botitu takes it quick and Fiji Rugby go from behind their own line to score magical try at the #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/PjffcdcIQw

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020

Dylan Pietch than pulled one back for Australian as they trailed 5-12.

But Jerry Tuwai weaved his magic and put Napolioni Ratu through a gap but he fell short and popped the pass to a sprinting Apenisa Cakaubalavu to score Fiji’s third try.

At the end of day one, it’s @Scotlandteam‘s Paddy Kelly who is top of the @DHLRugby Impact Player table in the men’s tournament with 25 points. #DHLImpactPlayer

*Points criteria
Tackle=1, Line break=3, Offload=2, Carry=1 pic.twitter.com/qYxSIapbe5

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020

Australia had the last say in the match but it was not enough as Fiji won 19-12.

Baber says the team is always under pressure but they have a reason for doing what they are good at.

14 in a row.

The win streak continues for @fijirugby at the #NZSevens in Hamilton. pic.twitter.com/Q23GDOnQIj

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020

Fiji earlier beat Samoa 19-12 in their first match today.

Fiji’s next game is against Argentina at 11:57am tomorrow.

Sun down show down between @fijirugby and @Aussie7s.#NZSevens pic.twitter.com/Ux3x1gF1XA

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020

In another match in Fiji’s pool, Argentina thrashed Samoa 40-0.

Hear reaction from @LosPumas7s head coach @santygc after his side’s impressive 40-0 win over Samoa at the #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/PhN4V0ajQ4

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020

The only place to be this weekend is at the #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/33ZgYKDi4E

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020

Sevens fans are always best dressed#NZSevens pic.twitter.com/64Sr775lH4

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020