Fiji wins plate

Fiji Times - Monday, February 11, 2008 2:31 PM

Fiji edged Argentina in an outstanding Plate final, Emosi Vucago scoring a sudden death extra time winner after the scores were tied at 21-21 after 14 minutes.

Converted tries by Pablo Gomez Cora and Akuila Nawerecagi left the sides level at the break and the Pumas twice pulled clear in the second half through Gabriel Ascarate only for the Fijians to draw level through Neumi Nanuku and Taniela Rawaqa.

Argentina's dogged defence looked to have won them the game in extra time but Vucago touched down from a breakaway to take eight series points for Fiji.

Wales pip USA to Bowl title

Home favourites the US Eagles delighted the 20,000 strong PETCO Park crowd by making it through to the final of the Bowl, but just came up two points short against a strong Wales performance.

Tries by Alec Jenkins and Tal Selley took the Welsh out to a 14-0 half time lead and Dafydd Hewitt scored shortly after the break but US talisman Todd Clever scored a fine individual effort to give his side a chance. Mike Palefau's score then brought the game back to within a converted try and in a thrilling finale Riaan Hamilton scored out wide but Nese Malifa missed the difficult conversion that would have levelled the scores on the final whistle.

Earlier the US side beat Series veterans France 12-10 to win through to the final courtesy of two tries by outstanding 15-a-side international Chris Wyles, while Welsh captain Jonathan Edwards helped the Welsh to their win over Canada.

Aussies hold off brave Chile to take Shield

The Wallaby Sevens took silverware in San Diego, edging to victory in the Shield final against Chile 24-12. Bill Millard's side lost out to Wales 19-12 in the Bowl quarter final but responded to beat Mexico 63-0, Tim Wright scoring three tries, and then held off a fightback by brave Chile to win 24-12 in the final.

Chile won through to the final by beating the West Indies 19-17 with a late try and then kept the Australians honest, holding them at 17-0 midway through the second half before hitting back with two tries, Cristobal Berti's making things interesting at 17-12 before James Lew sealed victory.