Patience played a crucial role for the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team as they secured the Singapore 7s title on Sunday night with a determined 21–12 win against France in the final. The team showed exceptional resilience, bouncing back after trailing 0–12 early in the match and showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
This comeback reflects the team’s earlier efforts in the tournament, where they found themselves in challenging situations. In both the semi-final against New Zealand and their final pool match versus South Africa, Fiji faced deficits of 0–14 but demonstrated remarkable tenacity to emerge victorious.
Coach Osea Kolinisau emphasized the importance of remaining composed when facing adversity. “I told them not to worry if the opponents score first. Just maintain your structure and things will fall into place,” he remarked, highlighting the necessity of patience and poise to achieve success.
In the final match, Fiji’s triumph was solidified by tries from Viwa Naduvalo, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, and Pilipo Bukuyaro, adding another significant title to their achievements. This victory catapults Fiji to the top of the World Sevens Series standings with 52 points, closely followed by New Zealand with 48 points, while South Africa and France each have 46 points.
As the series moves to Perth this week, Fiji faces tough competitors, including South Africa, Spain, and Argentina. The Fiji Airways Fijiana side, which finished sixth in Singapore, will also be competing in Perth against teams such as New Zealand, the United States, and Japan.
The accomplishment of the Fiji men’s team serves not only as a testament to their skill but also as a source of inspiration for fans and aspiring athletes alike, exemplifying the values of determination and teamwork.