FIJI Airways 7s team has a good chance to lead the HSBC World Sevens Series after beating South Africa 12-10 in the first semi final of the Singapore 7s.
Fiji needs to beat Australia in the final and gain 22 points to edge South Africa currently at 126 points. Fiji will then lead the series at 145 points.
South Africa will play for the bronze medal against England.
If the Neil Powell coached side wins it gains 17 points taking their tally to 143 and a loss means their total would be 141 points.
If Fiji is runner-up it will gain 19 points and its total points would be 142 points.
New Zealand is the closest competitor to Fiji and South Africa with a current total of 107 points.
South Africa played to the wire and dictated the semi final match scoring its 10 points in the first half.
Alosio Naduva scored Fiji’s first try in the dying seconds of the first half but the conversion missed.
Eroni Sau scored Fiji’s second in the second spell which was converted.
Fiji held South Africa scoreless in the second half but with 22 seconds left Amenoni Nasilasila was sin binned for not wrapping his arms during a tackle.
It looked like South Africa was going to end Fiji’s campaign but in their haste the ball was lost and Fiji played the ball even though the hooter for the match had sounded.
Eventually they did kick the ball out but it was perhaps the longest seconds ever for every Fiji fan watching the game.
Another heart stopping match as thrilling as the quarterfinal against Commonwealth gold medallist New Zealand which Fiji won 24-19.
Fiji plays Australia at the stroke of midnight Fiji time.
