Nacani Boginisoko, a debutant for FIJI Airways Fiji men’s 7s, delivered an outstanding performance during the opening day of the Singapore 7s on Saturday night. The young speedster made his first career start against South Africa, proving his mettle in a high-pressure situation.
The match was highly competitive, with the teams locked at 19–all at the end of regulation time, prompting the game to go into golden-point extra time, which heightened the excitement in the stadium. Fiji kicked off the extra period, but South Africa had the first opportunity to attack. Unfortunately for them, a cross-field kick that had proven effective earlier in the match failed, allowing Fiji to regain possession from the ensuing lineout.
Boginisoko showcased his impressive skills when he received the ball on the right flank. Demonstrating both strength and agility, he broke through the initial defensive line, sprinting past the defenders to score a decisive try under the posts, sealing a dramatic victory for Fiji.
Coach Osea Kolinisau explained that his decision to rotate the squad was aimed at giving younger players important experience after securing a semi-final spot. “South Africa was not going to be easy. I made some changes so that the young players can get a taste of what to expect tomorrow (second day),” he stated.
Despite the triumph, Kolinisau acknowledged there are still areas for improvement within the team. “There were some soft missed tackles, a few unnecessary knock-ons, but these are things which can be sorted out before the semis,” he added.
Fiji was set to face New Zealand in the semi-finals later that night, promising an exciting continuation of the Singapore 7s tournament. This performance not only highlights the potential of young talents like Boginisoko but also showcases the team’s resilience as they aim for a strong finish in the competition.