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Fiji beat NZ to reach Olympic 7s semis

Fiji have beaten New Zealand 12-7 to advance to the semi finals of the Olympic men's sevens tournament, ending the All Blacks Sevens hopes of a medal.

RNZ reports the World Series champions opened the scoring with a try to skipper Osea Kolinisau in the second minute of the match in wet conditions at the Deodoro Stadium.

Rieko Ioane was sent to the sin bin midway through the first half for what was deemed a dangerous spear tackle but the All Blacks Sevens still managed to find the tryline through Gilles Kaka and led 7-5 at the interval.

Fiji regained the lead with a try to Jerry Tuwai shortly after halftime and Osea Kolinisau converted to make it 12-7.

A knock on gave New Zealand one last chance to attack in the final seconds of the match but a poor pass under pressure from Gilles Kaka forced Akira Ioane to collect the ball in an isolated position and the Fiji defence was quick over the ball to win the penalty and kick the ball to touch to ensure victory.

Fiji will face either France or Japan for a place in the Olympic final. A win will guarantee Fiji a first ever Olympic medal while a loss will still put them into a playoff for bronze.

Earlier this morning Fiji beat the USA 24-19 to finish atop Group A with a perfect three wins and save New Zealand the embarrassment of exiting in the group stage.



Photo: World Rugby twitter

   
Source:
Radio New Zealand
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