Rookies Step up In The Cape
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber is happy with the performance of new players on the World Sevens Series. Aminiasi Tuimaba (with ball), Meli Derenalagi (back left), and Vilimoni Botitu are stamping their mark on the global stage at the Cape Town Sevens. With the unavailability of forwards Paula Dranisinukula and Josua Vakurinabili, Derenalagi fitting in well in the aerial battle and providing power in the contact areas. Botitu is providing stabil-
Vilimoni Koroi scored a try in overtime to prevent New Zealand from missing out on the Cup quarterfinal of the World Sevens Series for the first time in history.
He came with New Zealand and South Africa deadlocked at 21-21, with the All Blacks Sevens needing to win after losing to Samoa earlier on.
They had trailed twice — first through Rosko Specman’s try and then Branco du Preez — but Sione Molia’s try was converted with one second remaining to set up the most enthralling of finishes.
“Tough old game out there,” New Zealand’s Dylan Collier said afterwards. “[It was a] big crowd, awesome atmosphere and we did well to come back. After last week we knew we had to lift our game
Day One of the Cape Town Sevens saw host nation South Africa, USA, Fiji and Australia finish on top of their pools on an entertaining day of action.
Despite losing 26-21 to New Zealand in their final game the Blitzboks ended up on top of Pool A with both sides progressing to the Cup quarters. South Africa take on Scotland with New Zealand facing Australia, the latter side winning all three of their pool games, against Wales, Canada and Scotland.
The other quarter-finals in South Africa see Fiji face surprise package Spain, while USA take on England in an intriguing fixture on Sunday.
In the Challenge quarter-finals, Samoa meet Wales, France tackle Japan, Canada clash with Zimbabwe while Argentina will take on Kenya.