Vilimoni Botitu scored the first try for Fiji

The Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team kicked-off Dubai 7s with a 24-17 win over Japan in their first pool match.

Vilimoni Botitu opened the scoring in the first minute followed by Jerry Tuwai two minutes later to take the scores to 10-0.

Japan narrowed the gap to 10-5 with a try to Yoshikazu Fujita.

Fiji led 10-5 at the breather.

The two brothers, Isoa Tabu and Sevuloni Mocenacagi increased Fiji’s lead in the second half with a try each.

Waisea Nacuqu managed to convert both the tries to take the scores to 24-10.

Japan’s Fujita scored his second try to narrow the scores to 24-10.

Fiji was reduced to six men after Kavekini Tabu was shown a yellow card in the later stages of the second half.

Japan took full advantage of an extra man and scored a try to Kippei Ishida which narrowed the scores to 24-17 but Paula Dranisinukula led side managed to maintain their lead till the final whistle.

All the action from day one of the men’s pool matches in Dubai, the opening leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series #DHLRugby #Dubai7s pic.twitter.com/4KZr6wZiIb

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 5, 2019

Fiji’s next pool match is against Argentina at 10.04 tonight.

You can watch the Dubai 7s, LIVE on FBC-TV.

“They’re all here today, my two little boys…hi, daddy loves you.”@EnglandRugby‘s Dan Bibby sends a message to his family after he reached his 50th tournament on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai#Dubai7s #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/OGMIA3PlVU

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 5, 2019

Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s team went down to Australia 38-0 in their first pool match at the Dubai 7s.

Action from the Fijiana vs Australia match [Source: Dubai Rugby 7s]

They will now face Spain at 6pm today in their second pool match.

The Green Machine is back in business ? @Aussie7s #Dubai7s pic.twitter.com/MWGQtzyqhE

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 5, 2019