The Fiji Airways men’s sevens team experienced a tight loss in a thrilling Cup final against South Africa, falling 21–19 at the Perth Sevens held at HBF Park. This match was a showcase of elite rugby, with both teams demonstrating remarkable intensity and skill. Fiji managed to keep pace with South Africa during a competitive first half, which concluded with the scoreboard reading 14–12 in favor of the South Africans.
Fiji kicked off the match with a spectacular start, as Viwa Naduvalo crossed the line for the first try, followed by quick contributions from Captain Jeremaia Matana and Terio Veilawa. Their early performances ensured that Fiji remained competitive, with both sides exchanging leads in a fiercely contested battle.
South Africa made the most of their scoring chances, with Ryan Oosthuizen delivering a standout performance by scoring two tries. Sebastiaan Jobb also added a try to the tally, while Ricardo Duarttee’s precise conversions played a critical role in sealing the victory for South Africa by a narrow two-point margin.
As the match neared its conclusion, Fiji tirelessly sought a comeback, staying close to their opponents. Despite their efforts, South Africa managed to hold onto their lead, clinching the Cup in a heart-stopping finish.
While the result was disappointing, Fiji’s overall performance throughout the Perth tournament was impressive. Their resilience and skill on the HSBC Sevens World Series circuit garnered admiration from fans and supporters alike. Looking ahead, there’s a strong sense of optimism for the team’s future performances, as they continue to develop and hone their talents on the international stage.