THE Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team has conquered its first obstacle and now braces for another tough challenge in today’s Rugby World Cup Sevens quarter-final against Argentina.
After a hard fought 35-10 win over the determined Japanese outfit yesterday, head coach Gareth Baber is expected to map out another exciting plan to counter the Pumas.
He said the game against Japan best tested the players as they maintained their focus and concentration after Japan led on the score sheet early in the first half.
Baber said the players rose to the occasion and delivered the goods when needed most.
“Japan was outstanding, they looked efficient and resourceful in the way they played the game,” he said.
“Obviously, the first five or six minutes, we know they were going to be tough.
“You just want to win every game and I was pleased with the concentration level, the focus we had, the way we managed the game to get what we needed out of it and put ourselves in good position to score tries.
Baber said Argentina would be tougher and the boys knew what was expected of them.
“Argentina will be aggressive and they played very well in the previous game as well.
“They have shown their aggression with and without the ball and they will be nuisance in trying not to let us what we want to do.
“Obviously this is the first time for this group of players,” he said.”
Japan started the game strongly boosted by the services of four Fijian players. They used their big men to confront the Jerry Tuwai-captained led side but slowly weathered in the second spell as they received a taste of their medicine as Fiji marched on to the quarter-final.
Kalione Nasoko passed the concussion test after a collission Kameli Soejima while Paula Dranisinikula also received a cut above his eye.
Big names such as Semi Radradra, Leone Nakarawa, Josua Tuisova and Semi Kunatani stood firm in defence while captain courageous Tuwai added salt to the Japanese wound cutting them apart with his uncanny footwork.
Fiji’s tries were scored Semi Kunatani, Jasa Veremalua, Josua Tuisova, Jerry Tuwai and Semi Radradra.
Vatemo Ravouvou converted two tries while Amenoni Nasilasila also added six points to his name with three conversions.
