Series Leaders USA Bundled Out Of Hong Kong Sevens Semis

7th April 2019 - by AFP

The reigning tournament champions for four years running recovered their customary precision after a scrappy quarter-final win over Argentina earlier in the day

SUMMARY

Fiji spoiled the United States' hopes of a maiden Hong Kong Sevens championship with a 28-19 semi-final win over the series leaders on Sunday
Carlin Isles dashed up the boundary to level at 7-7 in the first half but the Fijians had the lightning-quick sprinter's measure for most of the match and pulled ahead 14-7 with a try from Vilimoni Botitu
Alasio Naduva sealed the deal with two tries in the second half, with Isles making his second after the final horn

HONG KONG, China- Fiji spoiled the United States' hopes of a maiden Hong Kong Sevens championship with a 28-19 semi-final win over the series leaders on Sunday.

The reigning tournament champions for four years running recovered their customary precision after a scrappy quarter-final win over Argentina earlier in the day.

Carlin Isles dashed up the boundary to level at 7-7 in the first half but the Fijians had the lightning-quick sprinter's measure for most of the match and pulled ahead 14-7 with a try from Vilimoni Botitu.

Alasio Naduva sealed the deal with two tries in the second half, with Isles making his second after the final horn.

Forward Ben Pinkelman started the match for the Eagles despite a nasty head knock in the closing minutes of the quarter-final against South Africa but the Americans struggled to match Fiji in speed and strength.

The US will stay at the top of the table after their win in Las Vegas and four other finals this series, with third-ranked Fiji in hot pursuit and set to overtake New Zealand.

Fiji will fight for the cup against France, who dashed the All Blacks' chances in a shock 14-12 quarter-final win.

France, runners-up in Vancouver last month, later beat Samoa 19-12 to book their first ever finals appearance in Hong Kong.