Tamani tells how 7s men won

Team Fiji men’s rugby 7s captain Terio Tamani was in tears after winning his first Pacific Games gold medal as they edged out Samoa 7-5 in the final at the Marist Saint Joseph’s ground yesterday. The Ravitaki, Kadavu native told SUNsports after a thrilling encounter that everything was made possible by God.

“I thank coach (Gareth) Baber

for believing in me and also my team-mates for their efforts to make the win possible,” he said. “I’m the happiest man today sine this is the first time for me to captain the Fiji team and defend the gold medal. This is a big achievement.

“Baber believed in us and the boys gave their all. We had worked hard and together we went through many challenges but we were able to conquer it.”

DON’T PANIC

The playmaker said he had reminded the players to maintain composure in the last two minutes of the final as they were leading by two points while Samoa were hard on attack.

“It was tough as we were a man down. I told the boys not to panic, control themselves and we’ll win.”

Halfback Napolioni Ratu scored Fiji’s lone try in the second minute and converted it for a 7-0 lead. Samoa regrouped and scored a try but failed to convert it. The Fiji supporters turned up in big numbers with their blue costumes and were very vocal during the final. Fiji lifted momentum in the second half while Samoa continued to apply pressure disrupting Fiji’s plan to score tries as Glen Cakautini was sinned binned. Despite playing with six men Fiji strengthened their defensive line and denied the hosts from scoring their winning try.

COMMENTS

Samoan 7s head coach Gordon Tietjens said: “Fiji were amazing they had the opportunity and they scored. They are good with their decision around the ruck.” Baber said: “We knew it was going to be tough against Samoa. “The crowd played a huge part, we looked out for each other. Even though we had two players sinned binned, we played well in defence.”

EARLIER RESULTS

The Fijians thumped Nauru 50-0 in the semi-final while Samoa walloped Tuvalu 83-0 to book their spots in the final.

Photo: Anasilini Natoga Team Fiji men’s 7s team captain Terio Tamani (standing first from left) with his team-mates after the Pacific Games medal presentation in Apia, Samoa on July 13, 2019.