Ireland 7s 12-31 Fiji 7s
FIJI WERE TOO hot to handle as they ran in five tries to end Ireland’s involvement at the Cape Town Sevens on Sunday morning.
Seeded 12th, Ireland were one of the surprise packages of the weekend after an unbeaten run saw them top their pool and book their place in the quarter-finals.
And they took an early lead against last year’s Cape Town winners, Jordan Conroy finding space out wide to score his fourth try of the tournament, converted by Billy Dardis for an early 7-0 lead.
But Fiji hit back instantly with two tries from Napolioni Bolaca and Aminiasi Tuimaba to take a 14-7 lead at half time.
Terry Kennedy was Ireland’s matchwinner in Friday’s shock win over Australia, and he brought Ireland right back into it when he touched down early in the second half to make it 14-12.
But the conversion attempt from the touchline was a tricky one for Dardis who couldn’t get Ireland back on level terms.
Fiji’s greater experience told as they punished every Ireland misstep, substitute Waisea Nacuqu scoring twice with Alasio Naduva rounding out a 19-point win with the final play of the game.
They will now play New Zealand in the semi-finals, while South Africa face France in the other semi.
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)