NO STOPPING ‘BUS’
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rep Josua “The Bus” Tuisova leaps over an Argentina tackler on his way to score during the Rugby World Cup 7s Cup quarterfinal match in San Francisco on July 22, 2018. Fiji won 43-7 to meet New Zealand in the semifinals today.
The target set by Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side to win all their remaining matches was foiled by a plucky Japanese side, who scored a 15-14 win at the AT&T Park yesterday.
Fijiana captain Ana Maria Roqica had earlier told Sunsports that were out to win all their matches after they lost 19-12 to Spain in their opening game.
Head coach Iliesa Tanivula also indicated that playing Japan in the Challenge semifinals was not easy.
Fijiana took a 7-5 lead at halftime with a try in the 4th minute to Raijieli Daveua and converted by Viniana Riwai. But Japan hit back with a try to Honoka Tsutsumi in the 9th minute with Yume Okuroda’s conversion going wide.
In the 10th minute Fijiana’s Merewai Cumu was sent to the sinbin but they extended their lead to 14-5 in the 12th minute with a try to Asinate Savu and Luisa Tisolo adding the extras.
Not to be outdone Japan bounced back with two quick tries to Noriko Tangiuchi and Chihru Nakamura, both not converted for the 15-14 win.
Aussies stunned
Fijian- born women’s 7s winger Ellia Green scored a try but it was not enough as Australia went down 17-12 to France in the Championship semifinal
Leading 12-0 at halftime, the Australians conceded three tries after the break to end their hopes in heartbreaking style. Anne- Cecile Ciofani ran around Emma Tonegato and crossed after the final hooter to break the deadlock and snatch victory over the world series champions.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand women’s side survived an early scare to edge out USA 26-21 in the second semifinal.