Once again a late try by Fiji cost the Springbok Women's Sevens team a well-deserved win. Fiji won 21-17 leaving the Springboks without a win after two matches at the HSBC SVNS in Dubai.
Fiji started like a house on fire and led 14-00 after just three minutes of play. However, debutant Maria Tshiremba scored twice during the latter part of the first half to reduce Samoa's lead to 14-12 at the halftime break.
Brilliant pressure on Samoa by the Springboks allowed Simankele Namba to pick up the ball behind a Fiji scrum to score in the corner. Unfortunately for the Springbok Women's Sevens team Fiji's Reapi Ulunisau scored in the corner with a minute left to play to secure a 21-17 win for Fiji.
Scorers:
Springbok Women's Sevens: Maria Tshiremba (2), Simankele Namba. Tries: Conversions: Nadine Roos.
Fiji: Tries: Reapi Ulunisau (2), Ana Ana Maria Naimasi. Conversion: Reapi Ulunisau, Ana Ana Maria Naimasi.
Springbok Women's Sevens: Zintle Mpupha, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Simankele Namba, Mathrin Simmers, Asisipho Plaatjies, Kyla de Vries, Maria Tshiremba, Nadine Roos, Rights Mkhari. Replacements: Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Liske Lategan, Asisipho Plaatjies, Kyla de Vries, Marilze de Bruin.
Fiji: Alowesi Nakoci, Ana Maria Naimasi, Adi Vani Buleki, Reapi Ulunisau, Lavena Cavuru, Raijieli Daveua, Maria Rokotuisiga. Replacements: Younis Bese, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Viniana Riwali, Laisani Moceisawana, Talei Wilson.