by Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
It was a disappointing start to the PNG Pukpuks losing to Fiji 17-0 in their opening Pacific Games Rugby Sevens encounter.
With ball possession the biggest issue for the team, coach Billy Rapilla said he was proud of the boys for their efforts.
This year, Rapilla believes the boys can and will take it one step further.
The opening of the game was stalled by a knock on, and Fiji took control right away.
Showing dominance with field play the Fijians were quick to make breaks, scoring through gaps on the 22.
Fiji scored minutes into the first half, taking the lead 5-0, with the PNG Pukpuks trying to match their fitness.
The beginning of the second half saw the Pukpuks improve their defence, however William Rew and Hubert Tseraha made several mistakes in the opposition 15, allowing the Fijians to again step over the Pukpuks, with another easy try.
The Fijians again proved to the Pacific why they are the world champs, with their three try defeat of PNG this afternoon.
Despite the unfortunate loss, coach Billy Rapilla commended the boys on their efforts, and believes they can do one or two better than Bronze, this time around.
Ben Ryan, coach of the Fiji Sevens team also commended the Pukpuks effort, acknowledging them as one of their main threats in the competition.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=fVpmzubQFA0%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
