Fiji Men’s 7s falls short in Cape Town after 19-17 loss to France in semi final

The Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s 7s side has fallen short at the HSBC Cape Town 7s after losing 19-17 to France in the second semi final.

France broke the hearts of the Fijians with a last-minute try to Simon Desert and a conversion from out wide by Enahemo Artaud to steal the win.

The game went into the break with France holding a 12-5 lead before Fiji came back in the second half to level the score at 12-all with a converted try to Ilikimi Vunaki.

Fiji then scored a 90-metre unconverted try through Iowane Teba with few seconds left on the clock to take a 17-12 lead before France regrouped and scored the winning try straight from the kickoff.

Fiji will now take on Spain, who lost to South Africa 19-12 in the first semi final, at 4.03am today for the 3rd place playoff.

France will take on South Africa at 5.11am today in the Men’s Cup Final.

Meanwhile, the NZ Blackferns will take on the USA in the Women’s Cup Final at 4.35am today.

Stay with us for updates.

Live Updates

0' Fiji kicks off the first half. FIJ 0-0 FRA

2' France scores the first converted try. FIJ 0-7 FRA

3' George Bose replies with a try. Conversion unsuccessful. FIJ 5-7 FRA

5' Liam Delamare extends France's lead with an unconverted try. FIJ 5-12 FRA

Halftime: FIJI 5-12 FRANCE

7' France kicks off the second spell. FIJ 5-12 FR

9' Ilikimi Torosi scores a converted try to level the score. FIJ 12-12 FRA

3' Iowane Teba scores a long range try for Fiji to give them the lead. Conversion unsuccessful. FIJ 17-12 FRA

14' France replies with a last minute try to Simon Desert. Conversion successful. FULLTIME: FIJI 17-19 FRANCE