The Fijiana 7s finished second again and the men’s, ninth, in round two of the Dubai 7s this morning, in which Australia and South Africa secured back-to-back wins to maintain their lead in the women’s and men’s overall series standings respectively.
Reapi Ulunisau scored the Fijiana’s only try in their 5-15 defeat by Australia in the women’s main final, to remain second on the standings with 36 points, four behind leaders Australia.
The Fiji men’s defeated Spain 31-7 in the ninth-place playoff, dropping to sixth on the standings with 23 points behind leaders South Africa on 44, Argetina 34, Australia 32, USA 30, and Great Britain, 25.
In a consolation for the men’s, Nacuqu was named the round’s impact player whilst Aloesi Nakoci was runners-up in the women’s impact player standings.
In the women’s competition, France finished third after a 28-5 win over Russia – completing a repeat of last weekend’s medallists, USA beat Spain 7-5 in the fifth place play-off, Ireland defeated Canada 26-12 to finish seventh while, Brazil finished ninth with a 26-24 victory over Great Britain.
The Series moves to Spain next month when rounds three and four will be hosted in Malaga and Seville on 21-23 and 28-30 January respectively.
For the Malaga event, New Zealand, and Samoa make their return with Great Britain splitting in to the home nations of England, Scotland and Wales, marking the inclusion of all core Series teams. Poland will be be roped into the womens competition as the invitational team.
Malaga Pool – Women’s
Fijiana are grouped in Pool B with USA, Canada and New Zealand.
Men’s
Fiji are grouped in Pool A with South Africa, England and Scotland
Photos: World Rugby 7s
