THE Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side finished in seventh place at the Valladolid 7s after a 14–5 victory over hosts Spain over the weekend.
The Fijiana side had once made it to the Cup quarterfinals after a solid Pool B performance.
In their opening match in Spain, the Fijiana side defeated USA 26-19, then a loss to Australia 45-5 in their second match. They later defeated South Africa in their last pool match 17-12 to book their spot in the cup quarterfinals.
However, their journey ended in the cup quarterfinals stage after a thrash 40–14 by USA.
In the seventh-place playoff, Spain made a strong start applying early pressure on the Fijian side from kick-off and limiting their possession in the opening half.
Their intensity paid off when Maria Garcia crossed for the only try of the first half, giving Spain a 5–0 lead at halftime.
However, Fiji regrouped in the second spell and returned with renewed energy and purpose.
The Fijiana side lifted their intensity scoring two converted tries through Verenaisi Ditavutu and Mariana Talatoka to turn the match around and seal the win.
The focus now shifts to Bordeaux, where Fiji has been drawn alongside Australia, Japan and Brazil in pool play.
The tournament, scheduled for June 5-7 at Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux, France.
