Fiji are third and fourth on the latest World Rugby HSBC 7s men’s and women’s standings respectively.
This is after they finished third and fifth, in similar fashion – scoring the winning try on the hooter – in their respective competitions in Cape Town over the weekend.
Thanks to a late try, Fiji men came from behind to beat Ireland 14-7 in the Bronze final, picking up 16 points. With a total of 30 points amassed after two tournaments in the current series (14 from Dubai), Fiji are equal with second placed South Africa who gets the upper rungs based on a better points difference. Argentina, eventual winners of the Cape Town 7s, lead the men’s standings with 38 points (including 18 from their Silver medal finish in Dubai the previous week).
Captain Joseva Talacolo reportedly told the media at the event that Fiji still has work to do: “We have to work as a team and a lot on our defence. When we go back to Fiji, we’ll going to regroup and focus on our next tournament in Perth.”
Meanwhile, the women’s team finished fifth after Reapi Ulunisau rushed over on the cusp of full-time as Fiji came from behind to beat Canada – 19-17 in the fifth-place play-off. The women picked up 12 points for their effort, similar to their Dubai feat, for a total of 24 points to be placed fourth on the HSBC 7s Standings behind New Zealand (3rd), France and Australia.
The Perth Sevens is scheduled for 26-28 January at HBF Park.
Photo: World Rugby 7s
