The Vodafone Fiji 7s team had to fight hard to win their first pool match against Portugal by 31-19 in the New Zealand 7s in the last hour.
Fiji scored 5 tries in the match however Portugal took advantage of Fiji’s mistakes and missed tackles to score three tries in the match.
Fiji looked weak in defence at times and this cost them heavily when they gave the Portuguese attackers space to run the ball.
Semi Kunatani scored Fiji’s first try after fending off the defence in the corner.
The Portuguese replied with a try from NZ born Carl Murray.
World Rugby 7s Player of the Year Samisoni Viriviri scored Fiji’s second try however the Portuguese scored again after three missed tackles from Fiji.
The two teams were locked 12-all at halftime.
The second half saw tries scored by captain Osea Kolinisau, Samisoni Viriviri and Sitiveni Waqa.
Meanwhile, Vodafone Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan said they will take one game at a time as Fiji gets ready to take on Wales in their second pool match of the New Zealand 7s at 2.58pm today.
Ryan also said he knows that Fiji lost to Australia in the last two tournaments and the Aussies are in our pool again.
However, Fiji has to focus on Wales now before taking on Australia.
Speaking from Wellington, Ryan said they have a very good team and he is now hoping that they make people happy this weekend.
He will also try out different combinations during the pool stages.
Barring any upsets in the pool stages, Fiji is likely to meet New Zealand or England in the Cup quarterfinals.
The New Zealand 7s has kicked off with France causing a major upset beating HSBC World 7s Series leaders South Africa 22-5.
Fiji born Virimi Vakatawa was instrumental in the French attack right from the opening whistle.
In other results, USA thrashed Japan 40-5.
We will face Wales in our second pool match at 2.58pm today before taking on Australia at 5.54pm in the last pool game.
The Cup quarterfinals will start at 12.28pm tomorrow, the Cup semifinals will be at 4.12pm while the Cup final kicks off at 7.55pm tomorrow.
