The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team secured a nail-biting victory thanks to Vuiviawa Naduvalo, who returned from injury after the Perth tournament to score the decisive try and help Fiji claim their first win.
Both sides produced attacking, high tempo rugby, with the lead changing several times throughout the match in an intense contest.
George Bose opened the scoring for Fiji with the first try of the match. France responded just a minute later with a converted try to take a 7–5 lead in the third minute.
Naduvalo then crossed for Fiji’s second try, putting his side back in front 12–7.
However, the French regrouped and scored again before the break to edge ahead 14–12 at halftime.
In the second half, Josefa Talacolo struck early with a try to give Fiji a 19–14 lead.
France continued to fight back and soon added another try to reclaim the lead 21–19 in a thrilling second spell.
With just 44 seconds remaining, Fiji recovered the ball from a French kick and launched a final attack on the French line.
Naduvalo finished the move, touching down for his 100th career try and the match-winning score for Fiji.
Fiji will face Argentina at 11:07am in their second pool match and take on Australia at 2.56pm.
The Men’s Cup semi-finals will be held at 8.33am tomorrow, with the Cup final at 1.34pm.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana team will face Australia in their first match at 9.31am, before meeting the USA at 12.57pm and Canada at 4.46pm in their final pool match.
The Women’s semi-final will be held at 9.17am tomorrow, with the final at 2.05pm..
Live Updates:
France kicks off, and Fiji retains the kickand attacks and maintains possession to win a penalty, scrum to Fiji.