Photos and highlights for editorial purposes HERE. (Photo credit: Oceania Rugby)
The Fijian women’s team will remember this day for many years to come. For only the third time in history, they secured victory against the defending Olympic champions, Australia.
Despite the brilliant solo work of Charlotte Caslick, making two consecutive try-saving tackles, Fiji opened the scoring. Minutes later, Cassie Staples was yellow carded, allowing the Fijians to cross again.
The score would remain 12-0, until the 10th minute when Vani Pelite finally opened the Aussie’s account, but Fiji began shutting the door, as they immediately scored from the kick-off.
Despite Madison Ashby’s try with seconds left, the Fijian fans erupted as the final siren sounded, their team victorious against one of the world’s best.
This third victory against Australia was by far the most impressive, with their previous triumphs coming against depleted Australian sides at the Pacific Games.
Earlier in the day, Fiji had even more reason to celebrate with their men’s side holding off New Zealand in a tight encounter.
Leading 21-14 with 90 seconds remaining, the Fijians allowed William Warbrick to score in the corner, to close the gap to two.
After Vilimoni Koroi missed the extra points, the Fijians gave up a penalty from a driving maul, allowing Koroi a chance to snatch victory with a rare penalty goal.
Though kicking from right in front, the ball sailed to the right, leaving the Fiji 7s undefeated after two days.
The other undefeated team is New Zealand’s women, who flexed their muscles against Australia in the opening session, running in six tries to one.
Their scoring fest continued in the evening session, adding another six against Oceania.
With Australia’s shock defeat to Fiji, New Zealand is one win away from clinching this year’s title. However, on the men’s side, the championship is still open, with both Fiji and New Zealand still able to claim the prize.
Day three will see the final two matches played, with the champion to be decided by position on the ladder.
Play starts earlier at 12:30pm, with Fiji 7s up against Oceania.
RESULTS
Match 9: Australia Men def. Oceania Men 28-12
Match 10: Fiji Men def. New Zealand Men 21-19
Match 11: Fiji Women def. Oceania Women 21-12
Match 12: New Zealand Women def. Australia Women 34-5
Match 13: Fiji Men def. Australia Men 19-7
Match 14: New Zealand Men def. Oceania Men 21-17
Match 15: New Zealand Women def. Oceania Women 34-7
Match 16: Fiji Women def. Australia Women 19-12
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