The Fiji Airways men’s 7s team claimed the Singapore 7s title on Sunday night with a commendable 21–12 victory over France in the final. Displaying exceptional patience and resilience, the team managed to turn the game around after initially trailing 0–12, demonstrating their capacity to perform under pressure.
This comeback is reflective of Fiji’s earlier matches in the tournament, where they encountered significant challenges. In both their semi-final against New Zealand and their final pool match against South Africa, Fiji found themselves down by 0–14 but exhibited remarkable tenacity to secure victories.
Coach Osea Kolinisau underscored the importance of staying composed in the face of adversity. He advised his players not to panic if the opponents scored first, encouraging them to retain their structure and trust that things would fall into place. This philosophy of patience and poise has evidently contributed to their success.
In the final match against France, Fiji’s victory was solidified by tries from Viwa Naduvalo, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, and Pilipo Bukuyaro. With this triumph, Fiji ascends to the top of the World Sevens Series standings, amassing 52 points—just ahead of New Zealand, which has 48 points, while South Africa and France follow with 46 points each.
Looking ahead, the series moves to Perth this week, where Fiji will face formidable opponents, including South Africa, Spain, and Argentina. Additionally, the Fiji Airways Fijiana team, which ended up sixth in Singapore, will also be competing in Perth against teams such as New Zealand, the United States, and Japan.
The achievement of the Fiji men’s team not only showcases their exceptional skill but also serves as an inspirational narrative for fans and aspiring athletes, highlighting the importance of determination and teamwork in overcoming obstacles.