Fiji’s bid to end a seven-year World Series title drought ended in heartbreak in New York as the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side were edged 10-7 by South Africa in the USA 7s final on Sunday. The narrow defeat handed the Blitzboks the season crown — South Africa finished the World Series on 106 points to Fiji’s 104 — leaving Osea Kolinisau’s team agonisingly close yet again.
South Africa struck first and imposed themselves physically, outmuscling Fiji in contact and taking a 5-0 halftime lead. The Blitzboks returned after the break and added a second unconverted try in the corner to extend the advantage to 10-0, frustrating Fiji despite the home side enjoying long periods of possession. The Fijians’ reply came late: Terio Tamani finished a patient team move with three minutes left to cut the deficit to 10-7 and reignite hope.
Fiji pressed hard in the closing stages and looked set to snatch victory when they built momentum deep in South African territory. With just 28 seconds remaining, Kavekini Tanivanuakula was brought down five metres from the try line but lost the ball forward in the contact, halting the scoring opportunity and consigning Fiji to defeat. The missed chance proved decisive not only in the match but in the season standings, with the two-point swing handing the Series to South Africa.
Earlier on the day Fiji had produced a commanding performance to beat Australia 28-7 in the semifinal. Australia opened the scoring, but Fiji responded with four converted tries. Joseva Talacolo and George Bose crossed in the first half, while Viwa Naduvalo and Kavekini Tanivanuakula added tries in the second to seal the place in the final.
The loss continues a frustrating run for Fiji in the World Sevens Series. Their last overall Series title came seven years ago under coach Gareth Baber; since then, despite flashes of world-beating form and tournament wins in individual legs, the Fijians have been unable to put together a full season to reclaim the crown. Sunday's result underlines how fine the margins are in sevens: a single handling error or missed defensive read can decide not only a final but a championship.
Coach Osea Kolinisau’s side will return to Fiji having shown they can compete with the best — dominating possession and producing an emphatic semifinal win — but they will also have to confront the recurring issue of turning opportunities into points in the biggest moments. For now, the World Series title eludes them again, handed to a physical and clinical South African side who sealed the trophy by the slenderest of margins.
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