The Fiji Men’s Development team faced a tough defeat in the final of the 2024 Oceania 7s tournament held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Sunday, falling to Samoa with a score of 17-12 in extra time.
Samoa took an early lead, finishing the first half 5-0. They built on this momentum by extending their advantage shortly after the break. However, Fiji rallied back, showcasing their resilience, and managed to draw level with a try from Iosefo Namoce. Unfortunately for Fiji, Solomoni Rauqe’s conversion attempt failed, which meant the match proceeded into extra time.
In the extra period, Samoa swiftly secured the winning try right after the restart, sealing their victory. In other tournament action, Tonga claimed third place after overcoming Tuvalu with a score of 24-19, also in extra time.
While it’s disappointing for the Fijian team to miss out on the title, their performance highlights their potential and determination. The match demonstrated their capability to compete at high levels and serves as a strong foundation for future tournaments. There’s a bright path ahead for Fiji rugby as they continue to develop and refine their skills on the field.
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