By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Tokyo
Fiji’s gold medal defence in sevens rugby got off to a jittery start with the host team Japan running in two tries and two conversions to edge Fiji 14-12 in the first half.
But Fiji came back with two tries and a conversion from Waisea Nacuqu in the second half to seal the game for Fiji, 24-19 to Japan.
Fiji’s Asaeli Tuivuaka recorded the first yellow card of the Tokyo 2020 sevens rugby in the dying minutes of the second half.
After the first three games this morning, Fiji’s Waisea Nacuqu leads the best performing rugby player with 12 points – from two tries and a conversion followed by Great Britain’s Dan Norton with 10 points from two tries.
Great Britain beat Canada 24-0, with four tries and two conversions.
Fiji will meet Canada at 5pm Tokyo Time in its second Pool B game. Great Britain will take on the host Japan at 4.30pm Tokyo Time.