Despite losing the Olympic Games 7s final to France 28-7, Fiji’s fairytale run in Olympic history is a testament to its resilience. The Osea Kolinisau-coached side, which had earlier defeated France 19-12 in pool play, had to settle for silver.
The game was a rollercoaster of thrilling moments. Fiji scored a brilliant break by Joseva Talacolo, while France capitalized on a spilled ball by Jefferson Lee Joseph. The game was locked at 7-all, with France pressuring Fiji and 70,000 fans cheering them on.
Fiji had a few nail-biting opportunities late in the first half but failed to execute them, leading to a 7-all draw at halftime. France took the lead after the break, with Antoine Dupont scoring two tries, sealing France’s deal in the second half.
South Africa took home bronze after their 26-19 win over Australia.
In the semifinal, Fiji started shakily, with two lost carries due to slippery conditions. The Aussies scored first following a Fiji mistake, and Joji Nasova responded with a length-of-the-field try.
France came from behind in the first semifinal to beat South Africa 19-5. Both teams failed to score points in the first half.
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