Olympic champions Fiji pip Australia at Dubai Sevens

Iowane Raturaciri’s maiden try in his first World Series match saved Fiji in a last-minute 17-12 win over Australia at the Dubai Sevens. Australia came from behind to lead 12-10 with time almost up but replacement Raturaciri came through for the Olympic champions, who have retained only captain Waisea Nacuqu and Josua Vakurunabili from their Tokyo squad. Both teams had already qualified for the quarter-finals before they met, but victory ensured Fiji avoided South Africa, the defending Dubai champions and defending series champions. Fiji beat Kenya 19-5 in the first quarterfinal of the new series, South Africa saw off Australia 29-5, Argentina edged Ireland 17-12 and the United States defeated Great Britain 35-17. South Africa won the only two 2021 tournaments in September in Canada.