Fiji Airways Men’s 7s rallied from a stinging opening defeat to Argentina to edge Great Britain 24–19 in their second match at the New York Sevens on Saturday, delivering a much-needed boost ahead of a quick turnaround against Spain.
Fiji began the day on the back foot, suffering a heavy 31–12 loss to Argentina in their tournament opener. The result underscored persistent concerns about slow starts that have dogged the side this season. In their second game, however, the Fijians recovered composure and pressure to produce a late first-half score through George Bose, who slipped through Great Britain’s defence to touch down in the corner just before the break and cut the deficit to 7–5.
Great Britain opened the second half strongly, converting opportunities from several missed tackles to race to a 19–5 advantage with two quick tries. Fiji, though, answered emphatically through winger Vuiviawa Naduvalu. Naduvalu first sliced through the line and sprinted more than 50 metres to score, narrowing the gap to 19–12, then struck again less than two minutes later to draw the scores level at 19–all. With momentum firmly shifting their way, Fiji seized the lead for the first time when Nacani Boginisoko powered over for a decisive try to make it 24–19.
The Fijian defence then held firm in the tense closing minutes, repelling late Great Britain pressure to secure the victory at the final hooter. The win will be viewed as a morale lifeline after the morning disappointment against Argentina, and it highlighted the side’s trademark resilience—coming from behind to overturn deficits—seen in recent tournaments.
The squad now faces Spain at 8.14am, a swift turnaround that leaves little time for recovery or tactical recalibration. Coaches and players will be hoping the late second-half surge against Great Britain can be replicated from the kickoff, addressing the start-of-match issues that contributed to the loss against Argentina. Those concerns were flagged earlier in the season when head coach Osea Kolinisau and other staff urged the team to begin games more consistently after narrow comebacks and setbacks in Perth and other stops on the circuit.
Saturday’s mixed day in New York reinforces a familiar narrative for Fiji’s 7s: a team with explosive attacking talent and the ability to score quickly, but one that remains vulnerable if it fails to start on the front foot. The upcoming match with Spain offers a timely opportunity to convert the comeback spirit into a full 14-minute performance and reassert control in the pool phase.
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