6 Mar 2017

Sport: Fiji 7s into Las Vegas semis

9:25 am on 6 March 2017

Fiji will take on New Zealand for a place in the final of the USA Sevens in Las Vegas, as they bid for a third consecutive title in the Nevada desert.

After topping Pool D, the reigning World Series champions outclassed Canada 31-12 in the Cup quarter finals, while the All Black Sevens proved too strong for England, winning 19-0.

The All Blacks Sevens veteran Tim Mikkelson said they can't afford to let Fiji score first.

"You know we played them in Sydney and it went right down to the wire and [we] expect nothing less," he said.

"It's going to be a really fast game. We can't start slow like we did today versus Argentina so that will be one of our work-ons going into tomorrow is really starting well. You can't give them a lead because you're never going to chase them down."

Jerry Tuwai breaks free during the USA Sevens in Las Vegas.

Jerry Tuwai breaks free during the USA Sevens in Las Vegas. Photo: World Rugby / Martin Seras Lima

Series leaders South Africa pipped Australia 17-14 to set up a final four showdown against the hosts USA, who edged Argentina 21-19.

Samoa failed to qualify for the Cup quarter finals for the fifth straight tournament.

The Manu face Scotland in the Challenge Trophy semi finals, having thumped Russia 31-7 in the quarters.

Fiji women stay fourth

The Fijiana remain in fourth place overall after three rounds of the Women's World Series.

Lavenia Tinai breaks the tackle against Australia during the Cup quarter finals in Las Vegas.

Lavenia Tinai breaks the tackle against Australia during the Cup quarter finals in Las Vegas. Photo: World Rugby / Michael Lee - KLC fotos

Fiji beat Spain 21-19 and Ireland 31-5 in Pool B before ceding top spot to the United States, who prevailed 14-7 in front of their home supporters at Sam Boyd Stadium.

That pitted Iliesa Tanivula's team against Australia in the Cup quarter finals, with the World Series and Olympic champions running out convincing 22-7 winners.

But Fiji bounced back to defeat France 15-12 and Russia 19-17 to complete a third straight fifth place finish this season.

Fiji's Tima Ravisa cuts through the USA defense at the Las Vegas Sevens

Fiji's Tima Ravisa cuts through the USA defense at the Las Vegas Sevens Photo: World Rugby / Michael Lee - KLC fotos

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