Another HSBC SVNS Perth Series circuit pool stage exit for New Zealand on the men’s side of the draw, as this time around in Perth, Fiji has knocked out Tomasi Cama’s side.
New Zealand were knocked out in last year’s Perth pool stage as well, after defeats to Fiji and France respectively.
The last pool match for both sides in this year’s pool c was a must-win, with both teams facing an early exit if they were to lose, due to Uruguay creating history by beating New Zealand and Fiji in pool play action on day one.
Fiji started the game strongly, putting New Zealand on the back foot from the opening whistle. Iowane Teba broke the New Zealand defensive line using his pace and power to open the scoring in front of a loud contingent of Fijian Sevens fans in Perth.
Andrew Knewstubb then replied for New Zealand, to score their only try in the contest, as Fiji limited them to little to no ball for the rest of the pool match.
Fiji brought the natural flair to play against the Kiwis, scoring an outrageous try in the second half on the back of an offload from Fijian playmaker Terio Veilawa.
The Kiwis looked to have the ball carrier under control, as Veilawa had picked up the ball and fell to the ground, but Veilawa whipped a pass from off the ground a considerable distance to his teammate Viwa Naduvalo, who broke a couple of tackles to find himself through the defensive line and under the posts for the try.
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The pass was outstanding, a specific skill we haven’t seen often on the SVNS Series circuit, even though the Fijians constantly bring extraordinary skills to the World Series table. It almost sapped the life out of the Kiwis, giving Fiji all of the momentum, leaving the All Blacks Sevens no chance of getting back into the contest.
That wasn’t the only impressive try in the second half between these two teams, with Vailewa showcasing his fancy footwork and strength, busting through multiple New Zealand defenders to score the last try for the Fijians under the posts.
Vailewa’s performance was one to remember from the Perth tournament, one that will haunt Kiwis in weeks to come.
The defence was poor from New Zealand and became a regular occurrence against Fiji as they continuously fell off tackles and showed unnecessary ill-discipline that hurt them throughout the Perth tournament.
Fiji will play for fifth and sixth against France this evening at 10:27 PM NZT.
The All Blacks Sevens will play Kenya in the battle for ninth place at 7:14 PM NZT, which will be the Kiwis’ worst finish in the first three SVNS Series circuits.
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