The Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens team concluded the Cape Town Sevens in South Africa by securing the top position in the HSBC SVNS points table. Despite finishing third in the tournament, the team accumulated 36 points, leading Spain, which has 32 points, and South Africa and France, who are both tied at 30 points.
In the semi-finals, the Fijian team faced a narrow loss to France, losing 19-17, but they rebounded strongly in the playoff by defeating Spain with an impressive score of 47-10. Head coach Osea Kolinisau expressed disappointment over the team’s missed opportunities against France, emphasizing their focus on defense, which he believes is key to winning championships.
In standout performances, Naduvalu scored three tries during the tournament, while teammates Ilikimi Torosi, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, and George Bose contributed with two tries each. South Africa ultimately claimed victory in the Cape Town Sevens, triumphing over France with a score of 26-14.
The next event on the series schedule will be the Perth Sevens in Australia, set to take place from January 24 to 26.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana women’s team showcased improvement by finishing in 10th place after narrowly losing 14-12 to China in the ninth-place playoff. Under coach Timoci Volavola, the Fijiana side recorded their first victory in the series with a hard-fought 22-19 win against Brazil. They currently sit in 11th place on the series points table, just ahead of Spain.
This recent performance by both the men’s and women’s teams highlights Fiji’s ongoing commitment to rugby excellence, as they continue to strive for success on the international stage. The spirit and determination shown by these athletes provide a positive outlook for future competitions.
Leave a comment