Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s player, Meli Derenalagi says there’s a lot more work to do to get better for their semifinal match against USA tonight.
ðŸï¿½¥ Interview: “There’s lots more work to do to get better for the semi-final”. @fijirugby’s Meli Derenalagi gives his thoughts after their quarter-final win at the #HK7s pic.twitter.com/3Il8TC42Rd
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
The national side defeated Argentina 29-24 in their Cup quarterfinal match and will now meet USA in the Cup semifinal at 7.41 tonight.
SWS30- What a nail-biter! Fiji @fijirugby beat @unionargentina 29-24 win and advance to Cup Semi-final pic.twitter.com/KqbKSbUlEs
— Hong Kong Sevens (@OfficialHK7s) April 7, 2019
USA beat South Africa 21-12 in their quarterfinal match.
🎥 Interview: “The message today was WORK!”. @Carlin_Isles speaks to us after @USARugby beat South Africa 21 - 12 in the Cup Quarter-Finals at the #HK7s pic.twitter.com/QoK1oxvsFH
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
Speaking after Fiji’s quarterfinal match, Derenalagi thanked Argentina for being a tough opposition and says the match against USA will be tough because they have been aiming for the Hong Kong 7s title.
Derenalagi scored one try against Argentina and set up two others for captain Paula Drainisinukula.
The win against Argentina was also Fiji’s 29th consecutive win in Hong Kong as they have not lost a match in Happy Valley since March 2014.
In the second Cup semifinal, Samoa will take on France at 8:03 tonight.
This is after Samoa upset England 14-12 and France upset New Zealand 14-12.
The Hong Kong 7s Cup final is at 11 o’clock tonight.
HISTORY BETWEEN USA AND FIJI THIS SEASON
The Cup semifinal match between Fiji and USA tonight will be the fifth meeting between the two sides this season.
In the last four matches between Fiji and USA, Fiji has won three matches.
USA beat Fiji 24-14 in the Dubai 7s Cup quarters.
Fiji’s three wins against USA this season include a 29-15 win in the Cape Town 7s final, a 38-nil thrashing in the Hamilton 7s final and a 24-14 win in the Vancouver 7s third place playoff.
FIJI BEATS ARGENTINA IN THE CUP QUARTERS
Fiji defeated Argentina 29-24 in their Cup quarterfinal match and will now meet USA in the Cup semifinal at 7.41 tonight.
USA beat South Africa 21-12 in their quarterfinal match.
Fiji made a poor start in the match conceding two tries within the space of 4 minutes to Argentina who worked well in the first half to maintain possession.
Meli Derenalagi continued to be at his absolute best as he set up Fiji’s two tries before the break.
It was two impressive breaks and offloads from Derenalagi that enabled Captain Paula Drainisinukula to score Fiji’s two tries in the first half.
Argentina scored three tries in the first half to lead 17-12 at the break.
A half time message from halfback Jerry Tuwai that focused on Fiji applying pressure in defence set Fiji straight for a comeback in the second half.
Aminiasi Tuimaba scored Fiji’s first try in the second half after a brilliant break from the 22-metre line by Tuwai.
Other tries were scored by Derenalagi and Terio Tamani.
Sevuloni Mocenacagi got yellow carded for a shoulder charge in extra time.
Argentina scored a consolation try in the 16th minute.
FT: @fijirugby progress into the Cup semi-final after beating @unionargentina 29-24
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
They will play USA at 15:41hrs (GMT+8)#HK7s pic.twitter.com/A8VRWUFCsu
Fiji will meet USA in the Cup semifinal at 7.41pm while the Cup final is at 11 o’clock tonight.
ADVERTISEMENT
