The Fiji Airways men’s 7s rugby team faced a disheartening defeat at the Perth 7s tournament in Australia, eliminated from the cup competition after a 0-19 loss to South Africa in the quarter-finals. The loss marked a challenging outing for the team, which struggled with discipline and made several costly errors throughout the match.

Under the guidance of head coach Osea Kolinisau, the Fijians found themselves overwhelmed by South Africa, which scored three unanswered tries. Disciplinary issues surfaced early, as players Joji Nasova and Iowane Teba received yellow cards – Nasova for throwing the ball away and Teba for a professional foul. Fiji’s inability to maintain composure was compounded by conceding six penalties in the second half, with South Africa tactically delaying play to frustrate their opponents.

This setback at the Perth 7s follows a mixed performance in their previous outings, including a close semi-final loss to France in the Cape Town Sevens, where they demonstrated both skill and resilience. Kolinisau has emphasized the importance of decision-making and discipline in practice sessions leading up to tournaments, pointing to the need for stronger communication among players, especially during critical moments.

Reflecting on the recent tournaments, it’s clear that the Fiji 7s team has the potential to bounce back. Despite the tournament’s disappointing results, there were signs of talent and determination that suggest future performances can yield better outcomes. With ongoing training and an emphasis on learning from mistakes, the players have the opportunity to regroup and focus on future competitions.

Fans remain hopeful for improvements, anticipating that the team will harness their experiences to enhance their gameplay and possibly return stronger for their upcoming matches. The spirit of Fijian rugby has always fostered resilience, and there is optimism that this challenging moment will serve as a catalyst for growth as they navigate the season ahead.