Digicel Fiji 7s player Nikola Matawalu was out betted by England’s Chris Ashton who walked away with the IRB Try of the Year award.

Ashton was recognized for his individual try at Twickenham against Australia in November, his second in the match, combined pace and power as the wing raced clear to finish off a superb counterattack that started near his own try line.

The England international’s try won the public vote having fought off stiff competition from some outstanding scores finished by Mils Muliaina, Fiji’s Matawalu along with Israel Dagg and James O’Connor.

The try received the most votes following an online poll from a shortlist of 18 from the Six Nations, Tri Nations, Pacific Nations Cup and IRB Nations Cup.

Meanwhile, Matawalu is a non-travelling reserve for the Digicel Fiji 7s team that is currently in Wellington for the NZ 7s which kicks off on Friday.

Fiji’s first game is against France at 1.44pm Friday, then Canada at 4.40pm before the final pool game against South Africa at 9.12pm.


Story by: Paradise Tabucala
Source: IRB