Fiji knocks out New Zealand for semifinal berth

OLYMPICS – The Fiji sevens team is through to the Rio Olympics semifinals after beating New Zealand in a nail-biting quarter final by 12-7.

Fijians are celebrating everywhere in the world after this crucial clash that saw the traditional rivals battle hard for a spot in the semifinal medal match against Japan today.

With New Zealand leading Fiji 7-5 at half time, coach Ben Ryan fired up his players telling them there would be “no second chance”.

Fiji came back strongly in the second half despite numerous attempts by New Zealand to disrupt their running me.

Fiji’s Jerry Tuwai finally made something out of nothing and danced through a number of defenders to score Fiji’s second try.

Osea Kolinisau’s conversion took the score to 12-7.

New Zealand made desperate attempts to upset Fiji’s play but the side held on to book their place in the first-ever Olympic Sevens semi final.

Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama who is in Rio tweeted: “Win against Kiwis. Another step towards gold. And the excitement continues. Thank you boys. I just love it.”

New Zealand coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said being eliminated from the Olympics was a bitter pill to swallow.

“Certainly sad to be put out of the tournament – the most important tournament for us for four years, going to the Olympics for the first time ever – it’s devastating.

“I feel for the players but it wasn’t to be. We just weren’t good enough.”

The side had scraped into the quarter-finals after losing two of their three group games.

RIGHT: Fiji’s Jerry Tuwai scored the winning try in the men’s rugby sevens quarter-final match between Fiji and New Zealand at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Fiji won the match 12-7. AFP