A win for Fiji in the rugby sevens at the Rio Olympics is being hailed as a gold victory for all of the Pacific islands competing, American Samoa included.
The Fiji men’s rugby sevens team has won the country its first ever Olympic medal, easily beating the World Series champions Great Britain 43-7 in a dominant performance at the Rio Games to earn a gold medal.
Captain Osea Kolinisau opened Fiji’s account in the first minute as the World Series champions ran in five first half tries to lead 29-0 at the break.
In a true team performance, Jerry Tuwai, Jasa Veremalua, Leone Nakarawa, Vatemo Ravouvou and Josua Tuisova all crossed as Fiji extended their lead to 36-0 midway through the second half.
Dan Norton managed a consolation try for Gre
at Britain four minutes from full-time but Fiji weren’t to be denied with Viliama Mata becoming Fiji’s seventh try-scorer of the match in the final minute.
The medal is Fiji’s first ever at an Olympic Games and just the second for the Pacific region, after Tongan boxer Paea Wolfgramm’s silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
