The Fiji Airways men’s 7s team showcased remarkable resilience to secure the Singapore 7s title on Sunday night, overcoming France with a hard-fought 21–12 victory in the final. The match saw Fiji initially trail 0–12, but their patience and composure emerged as defining qualities, allowing them to mount a notable comeback.
This thrilling win was a testament to their earlier tournament performances, during which Fiji faced significant challenges. In their semi-final against New Zealand and a crucial pool match versus South Africa, the team also found themselves behind 0–14 before demonstrating their ability to rally and claim victory.
Coach Osea Kolinisau emphasized the hallmark of championship teams: the capacity to maintain composure and structure under pressure. “I told them not to worry if the opponents score first. Just maintain your structure and things will fall into place,” he stated. The importance of patience and calmness in high-stakes situations was evident as the players executed their game strategy effectively.
Viwa Naduvalo, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, and Pilipo Bukuyaro were instrumental in clinching the title for Fiji by crossing the try line, adding another significant achievement to their growing accolades. This victory has firmly positioned Fiji at the top of the World Sevens Series standings with 52 points, closely followed by New Zealand with 48 points, and both South Africa and France tied at 46 points each.
As the series looks ahead, the focus now shifts to Perth, where Fiji will compete in a pool with formidable teams including South Africa, Spain, and Argentina. Additionally, the Fiji Airways Fijiana team, which finished in sixth place in Singapore, is set to showcase their skills in Perth against New Zealand, the US, and Japan.
This win not only highlights Fiji’s tenacity but also sets an encouraging tone as they advance in the series, keeping fans hopeful for further successes on the international stage.
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