Sudamerica Sevens: Fiji Barbarians win ‘Vina Del Mar Sevens’

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Seven Viña 2017

Fiji Barbarians win Vina Del Mar Sevens to claim the second leg of the Sudamerica Sevens. This hotly contested South American rugby sevens series is played over two legs, with an invitational place on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series up for grabs.

The Fijian second-string Barbarians (babas) side faced the Argentina Cougars team in the final, played at Viña del Mar, Chile. In a tough match, the babas overcame an early Argentine lead, to win 19-12. It was a sweet victory for the babas after their one-point loss to the Cougars last weekend.

Sudamérica Rugby Sevens

The Fijians scored a massive 183 points, against 27 conceded heading to the final. The Islanders reached the finals by defeating Canada 29-10 in the semifinals. On the other side of the draw, the Cougars escaped narrowly with a hard-fought victory over Chile 19-17. A real force over the tournament, Fiji were unstoppable with Punta Del Este Sevens ‘Player Of The Tournament’ Amenoni Nasilasila leading the charge.

As a result of the series, the Chilean Condors have won the right to represent South America Rugby at the Las Vegas and Vancouver legs of the HSBC Sevens Series. Furthermore, they have also qualified for the HSBC Series qualifying tournament for the 2017/18 season in Hong Kong.

The Chile side finished above other contenders in the two leg Sudamerica Rugby Sevens Series. As Fiji and Argentina were playing ‘B’ sides, Uruguay was their closest rival over the series but that sides loss in the quarter finals to Canada guaranteed the Condors the prized spot.

Fiji Barbarians win Vina Del Mar Sevens final

The South Sea Islanders fought back from an early deficit, to win 19-12 in the Chile event. The young Cougars side was missing some of their heroes from the Punta Del Este, Uruguay round a week earlier. Proudly, the sevens men stood tall up against the big Fijians. With a completely new outfit, Cougars coach Lucas Borges took on a challenge in the Vina Del Mar Sevens.

The home side took the early lead through Maximilliano Flizzola, converted by German Klubus. Incredibly, they went in again after some sloppy tackles on the far terrace side, through Conrado Roura. The early barrage took the Babas by surprise, however in typical Island style, captain Amenoni Nasilasila danced his way through would be tacklers, before feeding Kalione Nasoko to score in the corner. A much needed score, they went to the breather with the Cougars leading 12-7.

Second Half Turnaround

The Fijians went straight onto attack mode from the restart, with Nacanieli Labalaba crossing over. Under pressure, the game went a little ‘see-saw’ at times, before Nasilasila struck. The Argentinians were hot on attack on Fiji’s five meter line but the visitors regained possession. From that possession, Nasilasila went the length of the field to score the winner: 19-12.

Four players have really stood out for Fiji in the last two tournaments. The twinkle-toed captain courageous Amenoni Nasilasila, who has been the darling of the crowds. Lanky Kilione Nasoko continues to improve, along with Nacanieli Labalaba. However, special credit to Alivereti Veitokani, who showed why he should be going to the Wellington Sevens. Others who stood out too were; Rusiate Tadulala, Levani Kurumudu and young Semisi Matawalu, together with Mesulame Kunavula.

Fijian Squad:

Seru Cavuilati, Mesulame Kunavula, Levani Kurumudu, Meli Rusa, Semisi Matawalu, Amenoni Nasilsila (c), Kalione Nasoko, Sevuloni Naturudregadrega, Timoci Sinate, Rusiate Tadulala, Alivereti Veitokani, Nacanieli Labalaba.

Argentina Squad:(for Chilean leg)

Cruz Camerlinckx, Maximilliano Filizzola, Ramiro Finco, Fausto Fortunato, AugustoGuillamondegui, German Klubus, Santiago Mare, Tomas Passaro, Mauro Perotti, Conrado Roura, Marcos Secchi, Isaac Sprenger.

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Chile claims third spot and ‘crucial’ HSBC place

The Chileans continued their luck at home, when they claimed the third spot. They defeated Canada 26-14 to cement the all important spot ahead of Uruguay. Still reeling from their victory, the players couldn’t contain their elation.

Chile fought back after trailing 14-0 to claim that victory. They scored tries through Francisco Metuaze, Julio Blanc and Marcelo Torrealba. A great display, the Condors fighting spirit will be one to watch in Vegas.

The Canadians however, will learn from this, because after their dismal performance on Day One, they fought back to reach the semis. Aaron McKelland has really made an impression in his last two tournaments.

In other results: Uruguay took fifth place winning 21-5 over Colombia. Meanwhile, the under-performing American Falcons side defeated Brazil 14-7. The North Americans struggled in both tournaments, but will take much away from this inter-continental challenge.

The Lowdown: things we have learned

While it maybe a victory for Fiji Rugby, they could have done better with more evenly matched opposition. As is often the case in the Pacific, they sometime ‘try too hard.’ It was a learning curve for all teams, but the South American teams will be happy with how they’ve played in the popular Sudamerica series.

They have really grown. Displayed some breathtaking rugby against some of Fiji’s and Argentina’s finest. At the forefront over both weekends, from this Chile will be on fire by the time they reach the North American leg of the HSBC Sevens Series. Crucially, they also have an opportunity to join Argentina, on the 2017/18 World Rugby Series, if they win in Hong Kong.

Vina Del Mar Sevens ‘Dream Team’

Pool A results: Argentina Cougars 28 Brazil 7 | USA Falcons 12 Uruguay 14 | Arg 25 Uruguay 5 | USA 12 Brazil 5 | Arg 26 USA 0 | Uruguay 24 Brazil 7

Pool B results: Fiji Babas 33 Canada Maple Leafs 0 | Chile 28 Colombia 0 | Fiji 36 Colombia 5 | Chile 27 Canada 14 | Colombia 12 Canada 36 | Fiji 31 Chile 12

Cup Quarter Finals Results – Argentina Cougars 19 Colombia 7 | Uruguay 5 Canada Maple Leafs 24 | Chile 26 USA 10 | Fiji Babas 54 Brazil 0

Plate Semifinals/5th-8th place – Colombia 26 USA Falcons 14 | Uruguay 26 Brazil 0

Cup Semifinals – Argentina Cougars 19 Chile 17 | Fiji Babas 29 Canada Maple Leafs 10

7th place play-off – Brazil 7 USA  Falcons14

Plate Final/5th place play-off – Uruguay 21 Colombia 5

Sudamerica Sevens Series final standings

 

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Fiji Sevens now will now focus as their ‘A’ team look to play well at the Wellington Sevens, January 28-29. Round Three on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Watch out for full tournament coverage from Scott Hornell and Jovilisi Waqa, from Last Word On Rugby.

 

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