The Fiji Men’s Development team faced a tough challenge in the final of the 2024 Oceania 7s tournament held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, ultimately losing to Samoa by a narrow margin of 17-12 after extra time.
Samoa established an early lead, going into halftime ahead 5-0. As the second half progressed, they extended their advantage further. However, Fiji showed remarkable resilience and managed to stage a comeback, tying the game with a try from Iosefo Namoce. Unfortunately, Solomoni Rauqe’s conversion attempt from a favorable position failed, which meant the game proceeded into extra time.
In the decisive moments of extra time, Samoa quickly scored again, securing their victory. Tonga rounded out the tournament by claiming third place with a close-fought 24-19 win over Tuvalu, also decided in extra time.
This setback for Fiji highlights the fierce competitiveness of the tournament and reflects the growth potential of their rugby development program. The team’s ability to recover from a challenging situation and force extra time demonstrates their determination and skill. Looking ahead, this experience can serve as a valuable learning opportunity, inspiring the players to refine their technique and strategy in future competitions. Overall, the performance of the Fiji Men’s Development side showcases their potential as they continue to evolve and strengthen in the realm of rugby sevens.
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