By Alipate Pareti
Fiji has had a tremendous start to the Sydney 7s, winning against Kenya and surprising the All Blacks.
Fiji beat Kenya 28 – 14 then went on to tumble last week champions New Zealand 26 – 5. Depending on how Fiji fares against Wales today, the All Blacks may be out of cup contention.
Samoa is the only other South Pacific teams in the men’s competition, but lost both matches yesterday, going down to France 24 – 17 and Argentina 28 – 21.
But they were not easy wins for Samoa’s opponents. Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens has been with Samoa rugby for a couple of years now and the fruits of their labours are slowly starting to show as Samoa earnestly improve their results.
Samoa has a tough match against South Africa in its final pool game today.
Meanwhile in the women’s competition, Hamilton champions the New Zealand Black Ferns continued their blistering form, easily demolishing their opponents today.
The Fijianas played well today, beating the USA in their first pool game as they dotted one last try to edge out the Americans 19 points to 14.
The side went on to play last weekend’s cup finalists Canada in their second match.
They gave them a little fright but lost to the Canadians 20 – 14.
Even without the leadership of Captain courageous, Raijeli Daveua, the side showed real signs of improvement that forecasts exciting times for Fiji Women’s rugby in the not so distant future.
They will meet Brazil, who are exciting newcomers to rugby in the third round of pool play tomorrow morning.