Previous Story
England lose to Fiji in Dubai final
Posted On Dec 06 2015
Comment: Off
In a replay of the 2014 Cup final, it took longer than regulation to separate the two teams, who will leb among the top echelon in the 2015-16 series.
“I thought we were a bit undercooked coming into this tournament, but (the title) always gives you a little bit more confidence when you know what (training) you’re doing back home is working”, said Ryan.
The lack of numbers counted against Fiji after taking the early lead through a try to Declan O’Donnell and holding it to the 10-minute mark.
Ryan praised Tuwai, who suffered from food poisoning overnight, but still starred.
Fiji scored four converted tries in the first half and put through an impressive defensive effort in the second half to maintain their lead and come through with the victory.
England rallied with late second half tries through Phil Burgess and a second score for Bowen but it was not enough.
Fiji earlier overcame New Zealand 19-5 in the semi-finals and England beat the United States 24-19. They had never beaten the Kiwis before Dubai, but toppled them twice during the tournament.
In their first match of the day, the United States of America followed up their historic win over New Zealand on Fridaywith a dramatic 21-19 quarterfinal success over South Africa to eliminate the defending champions from the Cup competition.
Springbok Francois Hougaard ended the Aussies’ hopes of the Plate win with some deft footwork handing him the winning try just 45 seconds into extra time.
The Blitzboks then defeated Argentina 26-5 in the Plate semi-final. Having trailed 14-0 through tries from Sam Myers and Ed Jenkins, the Blitzboks hit back to draw level through two Kwagga Smith tries, the second with the last play of normal time.
The series moves on to Cape Town next week with Fiji remaining the team to beat ahead of the sport’s debut at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro next year.
Canada deny JapanTwo tries from Admir Cejvanovic made sure there was no upset in the Shield Final as Canada secured a 19-17 victory over an improving Japan.
