VANCOUVER – Vuiviawa Naduvalo’s return from injury proved pivotal for the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team, as he scored a dramatic, match-winning try against France in a thrilling contest at the Vancouver 7s tournament. Naduvalo’s 100th career try secured a hard-fought victory for Fiji, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience in a high-tempo match.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both sides demonstrating impressive attacking rugby and consistently challenging each other’s defenses. The lead changed hands multiple times throughout the match, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until Naduvalo’s decisive score with just 44 seconds remaining. This victory marks Fiji’s first win of the tournament and sets a positive tone for their remaining pool stage matches.
George Bose opened the scoring for Fiji with an early try, but France quickly responded with a converted try of their own, taking a 7-5 lead in the third minute. Naduvalo then crossed the try line for Fiji’s second, putting his side ahead 12-7 before halftime. However, France refused to concede and scored again before the break, edging ahead 14-12 as the teams headed to the locker room.
The second half saw Josefa Talacolo score early, giving Fiji a 19-14 advantage. But the French team continued to fight back, adding another try to reclaim the lead at 21-19. The tension mounted as the clock ticked down, culminating in a final attack launched by Fiji after recovering a French kick. Naduvalo, returning after being sidelined during the Perth tournament, finished the move, touching down for the winning try.
Intense Back-and-Forth Action
The match was characterized by its relentless pace and attacking flair. Both Fiji and France consistently tested each other’s defenses, creating numerous scoring opportunities. The ability of both teams to quickly transition from defense to attack kept the game exciting, and unpredictable. Fiji’s victory demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure and capitalize on crucial moments.
Fiji’s Path Forward in Vancouver
Fiji will continue their pool play campaign against Argentina at 11:07 am local time, followed by a match against Australia at 2:56 pm. These matches will be crucial in determining their seeding for the knockout stages of the tournament. The Men’s Cup semi-finals are scheduled for 8:33 am tomorrow, with the Cup final taking place at 1:34 pm.
Fijiana Similarly in Action
The Fijiana team will also be competing in Vancouver. They are set to face Australia in their opening match at 9:31 am tomorrow, followed by matches against the USA at 12:57 pm and Canada at 4:46 pm. The Women’s semi-final is scheduled for 9:17 am tomorrow, with the final at 2:05 pm.
The Fiji 7s team’s victory over France is a testament to their skill, determination, and the impact of key players like Vuiviawa Naduvalo. As they progress through the tournament, their ability to maintain this level of performance will be critical to their success. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if they can build on this momentum and compete for the Cup title.
What do you think Fiji needs to do to secure the championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
