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The constant in the All Blacks’ struggles is not the coaches
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Fiji to face All Blacks Sevens in semi-final after extra-time thriller
By Finn Morton
Fiji have started their title defence at HSBC SVNS Singapore with three wins from as many matches at the National Stadium, which included an extra-time 24-19 thriller against South Africa in the final fixture on day one.
Both Fiji and South Africa had a 2-0 record going into that match, having beaten Great Britain and Spain earlier on Saturday. It set the scene for an enthralling showdown that would determine the top seed out of Pool A and the semi-final match-ups.
It was a tense start to the match as both sides tried to turn attacking opportunities into points, but no tries were scored until the fourth minute. Eventually, Tristan Leyds opened the scoring, and Donavan Don extended South Africa’s advantage soon after.
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South Africa were in control, but Fiji struck back through playmaker Terio Veilawa, who completed a double with a try on either side of the half-time break. Veilawa levelled the scores with a successful conversion attempt in the ninth minute.
Christie Grobbelaar regained the lead for South Africa with a try almost immediately after, but that effort was ultimately cancelled out, with Jeremaia Matana touching down for a five-pointer with two minutes remaining.
While Fiji almost won it late, it wasn’t to be, as the match went to golden point. Nacani Boginisoko was the hero for Fiji in the end, racing away to score in the 16th minute.
Fiji progresses as the top-ranked side out of Pool A, setting up a semi-final against the All Blacks Sevens at 2:52 pm (local time) on Sunday. The Blitzboks will take on an unbeaten French side at 3:14 pm, who are searching for their first Cup Final appearance of the season.
Les Blues Sevens left it late against Argentina, with Ali Dabo running downfield for the go-ahead try in the final play of the match. That try improved France’s tournament record to 3-0 and sets up an exciting match against the Blitzboks.
The other team to make it to the semi-finals is New Zealand, who were beaten by France 19-12 during the first session at SVNS Singapore. That made the All Blacks Sevens’ other matches must-wins, with only two teams progressing out of each pool to the semi-finals.
Eliseo Morales crossed for a late try, giving the All Blacks Sevens little time to take the lead back, but that’s exactly what happened. Kele Lasaqa produced a moment of brilliance in a nail-biting match, scoring the match-winner in the final minute.
Lasaqa’s effort saw the New Zealanders claim a 26-20 win, followed by a 29-10 victory against rivals Australia during the third session. Akuila Rokolisoa, Sofai Notoa-Tipo, Rob Rush (double) and debutant Michael Manson helped pile on the points in that win.
SVNS Singapore Men’s semi-finals
Fiji vs New Zealand at 2:52 pm (local time)
France vs South Africa at 3:14 pm (local time)
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