Fiji almost undone by Japanese exports in Tokyo Olympics rugby sevens

TOKYO: Fiji made a shaky start to the defence of their Olympic men's rugby sevens title on Monday , almost undone by two Fijian exports in the Japan side in the opening round at Tokyo Stadium.

Tries by Fiji-born Lote Tuqiri and Kameli Soejima had sent Japan into a 19-12 lead, with alarm bells ringing that an upset mirroring the hosts' stunning victory over New Zealand in the opening round of the Rio Games was on the cards.But a late brace of tries by Waisea Nacuqu pushed Fiji back into the lead and an eventual 24-19 victory.

The Fijians did not wait long before bothering the scoresheet, Jiuta Wainiqolo crossing after just 20 seconds following a Japanese mistake from the kick-off.But Fiji again contested the restart, the ball finding Iosefo Baleiwairiki, who with one step was away to restore the lead.Japan, however, held the half-time lead after Tuqiri was played into space after some clever footwork by New Zealand-born playmaker Colin Bourke.

An upset was on the cards as veteran Soejima soared to take the kick-off and fend off a lame challenge of a tackle by Jerry Tuwai for a try in the corner.Japan had one final chance when Asaeli Tuivuaka was yellow carded with 35 seconds to play, but a fluffed attacking line-out saw Fiji close down the game.and get into the action with Mediacorp, Singapore’s Olympics Network.

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