Fiji add to Blitzboks’ woes in Vegas

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Fiji survived a Blitzboks comeback to claim a 14-12 victory in the fifth-place semi-final in Las Vegas on Sunday. DYLAN JACK reports.

Despite an improved showing from their disappointing Cup quarter-final loss to the USA, the Blitzboks were punished for a slow start and ill-discipline. They fought back bravely in the second half and had a chance to win the match late on, but conceded a breakdown penalty.

Fiji started the game strongly, winning the ball from the kick-off and punishing the Blitzboks when Josua Vakurunabili powered through a tackle and reached to score the opening try.

The Blitzboks were then given a boost when a Fijian player was yellow-carded for an intentional knockdown, and the South Africans utilised their numbers advantage when Ryan Oosthuizen stepped through a tackle to score an unconverted try.

However, Fiji were then given an advantage when Impi Visser saw yellow for a high tackle. The Fijians did not waste the opportunity and doubled their lead when Jerry Tuwai set up Kalione Nasoko for their second try, making it 14-5 at half-time.

The Blitzboks ran the subs in the second half, and as he has done throughout the tournament, JC Pretorius made a good impact, showing his pace to skip away from a couple of defenders and score their second try and his third of the weekend.

The South Africans worked incredibly hard on defence, putting in some big hits and getting a last chance to steal a win with a 5m scrum in the closing stages. However, Fiji held their composure on defence, with Tuwai winning a breakdown penalty to allow his side to hoof the ball into touch and progress to the fifth-place final, where they would beat England 19-7.

In the Cup final, the USA thrashed Samoa 27-0 to claim back-to-back Las Vegas titles and move to the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series standings.

Match centre

Photo:  Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images

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Dylan Jack