The Viria Blues emerged victorious in the 2025 Flame Tree Waimanu Sevens, defeating the Vuna Brothers 14-5 in a thrilling final on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
From the outset, both teams displayed impressive skills and determination, but the tide turned when the Vuna Brothers’ indiscipline resulted in a penalty try for the Viria Blues. Capitalizing on their temporary numerical advantage, the Viria Blues showcased a strong team dynamic, scoring another try to end the first half with a commanding 14-0 lead.
The second half told a different story, as the Vuna Brothers mounted a spirited comeback. Their intense defense forced a crucial turnover, paving the way for a winger to sprint through and score near the posts. A successful conversion brought the score to 14-7 with just two minutes remaining, heightening the tension in the match.
However, the challenging wet conditions contributed to handling errors on both sides. In the dying moments, the Vuna Brothers earned a penalty scrum deep into Viria’s territory, but were unable to secure the ball, allowing the Viria Blues to clear and ultimately seal their victory.
Captain Seru Tamanikaibau praised the Vuna Brothers for their resilience and credited his team’s win to their unity and faith. “Firstly, I want to thank the Lord for the talent He has given us. Without His providence, this victory wouldn’t have been possible,” Tamanikaibau said. He reiterated the importance of teamwork, highlighting the coaches’ halftime advice: “Work together as a team, play for each other, lessen individual play, and stick to the game plan.”
This victory marks a historic moment as the Viria Blues become the first champions of the Flame Tree Waimanu Sevens, which will adopt this exciting format as its annual competition style in the future, paving the way for an exhilarating series ahead.