It Was Tough, Says Kolinisau
The Vodafone Fijians 7s team survived a New Zealand onslaught to win 19-14 in the Cup quarterfinal of the USA 7s in Las Vegas yesterday.
Vodafone Fijian 7s captain Osea Kolinisau who had to leave the field in the second half because of a shoulder injury said they were expecting a tough encounter.
“It’s always tough to play New Zealand especially in this trying conditions in Las Vegas,” he said.
“But we’re thankful to the Lord above for giving us the strength to win the game.”
After a relatively straight forward quarter-final against Canada, the Vodafone Fijians had to produce some of their best rugby of the tournament.
A penalty try was awarded to New Zealand early on after forward Kalione Nasoko was given a yellow card for a high tackle. Isaac Te Tamaki added New Zealand’s second try, after shrugging off Samisoni Viriviri before the dancing feet of Seremaia Tuwai gave the Pacific islanders their first score, when he broke through the defence and offloaded to Mesulame Kunavula to score despite a Vilimoni Koroi high tackle.
Trailing 5-14 with Kolinisau out, replacement Joeli Lutumailagi bursts through early on in the second half from five metres out and stretched to score under the posts. At 14-12 to New Zealand, powerhouse forward Masivesi Dakuwaqa clinched the win for the Gareth Baber’s side, romping in from 30 metres out.