A SLUMP in performance gave way to a 7-35 defeat for the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team in their final pool match against Argentina in the Hong Kong 7s at Kai Tak Stadium yesterday.
Despite the profound loss, Fiji qualified for the cup quarter-finals where they faced Spain when this edition went to press last night.
The Osea Kolinisau side failed to capitalise on areas where they could have sought for tries at the scoreline and the Argentinians used it to their advantage on several occasions during the match.
When Fiji faced Argentina, they were second in Pool A as Argentina led the pool.
The loss was a stark contrast to their first two pool match wins against the USA and Ireland, where they won them 26-21 and 21-19.
Iowane Teba was shown the yellow card during the match, as the six-to-seven men difference amplified their opponent’s motive of scoring.
In the first half, three tries for Argentina were scored by two tries by Matteo Graziano and one by Luciano Gonzalez.
Fiji had yet to answer with one of their own when the game went into halftime with points at 0-21.
After the breather, their opponents stamped another ball on the try line with a converted try from Santiago Mare.
As Fiji sought for redemption on the scoreboard, Iowane Nasova strode to the try line, which was followed by a successful conversion.
With points at 7-28 in favour of Argentina, they added another five points to the board with a try from Santiago Zangara and two more with a kick from Tobias Wade.
Fiji met Spain late last night.
The semi-finals and final will be played today.
