Heart-stopping drama unfolded at the HSBC SVNS Singapore, culminating in Fiji clinching the top spot in a nail-biting extra-time victory over South Africa! The stage is now set for an electrifying semi-final lineup, featuring the formidable forces of Fiji, New Zealand, France, and South Africa, all battling for glory.
Just two months after their triumphant return to winning ways in Dubai, the formidable All Blacks Sevens are once again poised to go all the way. They've earned a coveted spot in the semi-finals, where they'll face a resurgent Fijian side. Fiji, with their characteristic flair and dazzling attacking prowess, dramatically secured the top position in Pool A thanks to a thrilling extra-time triumph against the formidable South African Blitzboks.
But here's where it gets truly exciting: The other semi-final promises another spectacle as South Africa squares off against the skillful French team, setting the scene for an unforgettable clash at the iconic Singapore National Stadium.
POOL A: Fiji and the Blitzboks Dominate to Reach the Final Four
Fiji enters their semi-final showdown against New Zealand brimming with confidence. Their path to the last four was paved with impressive victories over Great Britain, Spain, and crucially, South Africa. This dominant performance has ignited hopes of a repeat of their championship win in Singapore last year.
In a truly captivating final pool match on Saturday, Fiji edged out the Blitzboks with a dramatic 24-19 victory in extra time, emphatically claiming the top spot in Pool A and sending a clear message to their rivals. Fiji's renowned attacking brilliance was on full display from the outset, as they kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 22-19 win against Great Britain. The prolific Viwa Naduvalo was the star of the show, bagging a spectacular hat-trick, with Nacani Boginisoko adding Fiji's fourth try. For Great Britain, Charlton Kerr, Brent Jackson, and Joshua Radcliffe found the try line.
South Africa also made a strong start, defeating Spain 21-14. Their tries came from Donavan Don, Zander Reynders, and Shilton van Wyk, while Anton Legorburu Anso and Francisco Cosculluela responded for Spain.
Fiji continued their impressive run, securing a commanding 28-7 victory over Spain. Iowane Teba, George Bose, Terio Veilawa, and Nacani Boginisoko all crossed the try line for Fiji, while Josep Serres managed a solitary try for the Spanish side.
South Africa then delivered a powerhouse performance, overwhelming Great Britain with a 33-12 win. Donavan Don, Tristan Leyds, Shilton van Wyk, Ryan Oosthuizen, and Sebastiaan Jobb showcased their scoring prowess, while Joshua Radcliffe and Matt Davidson scored for Great Britain.
Spain managed to secure their only win of the pool stage, defeating Great Britain 29-14, with tries from Jaime Manteca, Juan Ramos, Jeremy Trevithick (who scored twice), and Gabriel Rocaries. Marcus Kershaw and Brent Jackson were the try scorers for Great Britain, who unfortunately lost all three of their matches.
And this is the part most people miss: The real edge-of-your-seat drama was reserved for the final encounter of the day, where Fiji narrowly triumphed over South Africa in a contest that went down to the wire.
Despite tries from Tristan Leyds, Donavan Don, and Christie Grobbelaar for the Blitzboks, Fiji refused to be defeated. Terio Veilawa scored a crucial brace, Jeremaia Matana also found the try line, and then Nacani Boginisoko delivered a moment of magic, bursting clear to score the stunning winning try in extra time. What do you think of Fiji's incredible comeback? Let us know in the comments!
POOL B: France Claims Top Spot, New Zealand Also Advances
In a remarkable turnaround from last year, France, who didn't secure a single win in Singapore previously, achieved a significant 19-12 victory over New Zealand in their opening match on Saturday. Simon Desert, Antoine Zeghdar, and Nelson Epee were the try scorers for France, with Akuila Rokolisoa and Regan Ware responding for New Zealand.
The All Blacks Sevens players wore black armbands as a poignant tribute to those tragically lost in the recent landslides at Mount Maunganui. This event holds particular significance as their men's and women's teams are based on New Zealand's North Island.
Led by their captain, Henry Hutchison – who boasts the impressive record of being the most capped Australian in Sevens history with 62 tournaments – Australia secured a hard-fought 19-14 victory over a spirited Argentina. Australia established early control with tries from Aden Ekanayake, Jayden Blake, and Dietrich Roache. Argentina, however, fought back valiantly with tries from Marcos Moneta and Santiago Mare, ensuring a tense finish.
France then demonstrated their class once more with a dominant 31-7 win against Australia. Simon Desert, Jordan Sepho (who scored twice), Nelson Epee, and Paul Leraitre all contributed tries for the French, while Aden Ekanayake scored Australia's lone try.
New Zealand secured a tighter 26-20 victory over Argentina, with tries from Tone Ng Shiu, Frank Vaenuku, Kitiona Vai, and a dramatic late winner from the 19-year-old Kele Lasaqa. For Argentina, Santino Zangara, Santiago Vera Feld, Marcos Moneta, and Eliseo Morales were on target.
New Zealand concluded their pool play with a 29-10 win against Australia, thanks to tries from Akuila Rokolisoa, Sofai Notoa-Tipo, Rob Rush (who scored two), and Michael Manson. Aden Ekanayake and Jayden Blake scored for the Australians.
France sealed their pool dominance with a 19-15 victory over Argentina, with tries from Paulin Riva, Simon Desert, and Ali Dabo. For Argentina, Santino Zangara was a standout performer, scoring a delightful hat-trick.
The semi-final matchups are now set: Fiji will face New Zealand, and South Africa will take on France. Which of these titanic clashes are you most excited to watch? Share your predictions below!
