Fiji stun New Zealand in quarter finals
by Huw Turner in Wellington
February 10, 2001

Fiji again proved New Zealand's downfall at the Wellington sevens, causing a major upset by beating the World champions in a dramatic match, 19-17.

In a super charged atmosphere the Fijians indicated early on that they were in no mood to relinquish their Wellington title. Tries from Raque and Navale, the second one converted, opening up a 12 points advantage.The New Zealanders semed to lack their normal dynamism, but he first of Donovan Nepia's three tries narrowed the half time score to 12-7.

He completed his hat trick in quick time in the second half and New Zealand seemed to have weathered the storm, but a break out by Fiji, converted into a try by skipper Fero beneath the posts brought Fiji level, the conversion giving them the lead.

In a heart stopping finish, Jonah Lomu broke through the centre of the field and seemed to be about to win the game before a desperate ankle tap brought him down inches short of the line. There was no more time and the crowd was silenced, Fiji the winners.

The Cook Islands then upset Samoa 10-7 to continue their magnificent progress at this tournament.

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