Rugby Sevens: A Tale of Triumph and Resilience in Cape Town
The 2025/2026 HSBC SVNS Series in Cape Town witnessed a thrilling display of rugby prowess, with Fiji emerging as a force to be reckoned with. Despite falling short of their ultimate goal, the Fijians showcased their determination and skill, leaving a lasting impression on the tournament.
In the men's competition, Fiji secured a well-deserved third-place finish, outshining France with a 26-19 victory on Monday morning. This triumph marked the second consecutive week the Fijians had bested their European counterparts, a feat they accomplished in Dubai the previous weekend. The team's coach, Osea Kolinisau, expressed a mix of emotions, acknowledging the missed opportunity while finding solace in the positive outcome.
The match began with a fierce battle, as both teams exchanged tries in the opening seven minutes. Fiji's Terio Veilawa and Viwa Naduvalo showcased their prowess, mirroring France's Andy Timo and Liam Delamare. The turning point came when Sevuloni Mocenacagi, with Veilawa's assistance, broke the deadlock, followed by Manueli Maisamoa's dazzling display, extending Fiji's lead to 26-14. Despite Simon Desert's late try for France, Fiji held on to secure the win.
In the women's competition, Australia claimed the title, dethroning New Zealand in a closely fought final. South Africa, the defending champions, successfully retained their title in the men's category. The tournament's highlights included Argentina's upset victory over Fiji in the semifinals, eliminating them from contention for the top prize. Fiji's women's team, the Fijiana, finished in a respectable seventh place, following a dominant 43-7 win over Great Britain.
The Fijiana's triumph was led by a formidable lineup, including Reapi Uluinasau (hat-trick), Sera Bolatini, Atelaite Ralivanawa, Silika Qalo, and Lavena Cavuru. However, they faced a setback in the fifth-place playoff, losing to Canada 33-15. Despite this, the Fijiana side remains in a strong position for the top six in the HSBC Sevens Series.
The tournament's climax saw Argentina's Los Pumas dethrone Fiji, securing their spot in the final against South Africa. The Blitzboks, the hosts, cheered by the Cape Town crowd, emerged victorious over France in their semifinal, setting the stage for an exciting final.
