THE Digicel Fiji 7s team put on a strong defence to outmuscle Samoa 19-7 in the Cup quarter-finals of the Gold Coast 7s at Skilled Park Stadium in Robina here yesterday.
Joji Raqamate scored two runaway tries while Alipate Raitini crossed over for his second of the tournament.
Samoa hit back late in the game through Tulolo Tulolo.
Fiji's defence upset the strong running Samoans and the big hits unrattled our Pacific neighbours and had the crowd on their feet.
Led by hardworking forward Ulaiyasi Lawavou and scavenging captain Levani Botia, the side stepped up its defence after a disappointing outing against Australia on Day One.
Fiji led 12-0 in the first half.
"We're really happy with our performance today after losing to Australia yesterday (Saturday).
"We regrouped last night and (Osea) Kolinisau told us never lose hope and keep fighting," Raqamate said.
"We went over the game against Australia and we saw that we needed to tighten up our defence.
"We decided that against Samoa we would run up at them on defence instead of waiting back for the attack to come to us.
Raqamate's tries were long-range dashes down the sideline and he said it was a team effort.
"First of all I want to thank the Lord.
"This was a team effort and I think Fiji made the try," the Wardens playmaker said.