Fiji Secures Third Place at Cape Town Sevens with 26-19 Win

Fiji clinched third place in the men’s competition at the 2025/2026 HSBC Sevens Series Cape Town leg, defeating France 26-19 on Monday morning. This marks Fiji’s second consecutive third-place finish, having also bested France in Dubai the previous weekend. Australia emerged victorious in the women’s final against New Zealand, while South Africa successfully defended their title in the men’s category.

Fiji’s head coach, Osea Kolinisau, expressed a mix of disappointment and satisfaction with the outcome. “Obviously a lot of learning for us moving forward,” he stated. “We will go back and work on what we have learned.” The match was closely contested, with both teams tied 14-14 at halftime after each scored two tries in the first seven minutes.

In the first half, Terio Veilawa and Viwa Naduvalo found the try zone for Fiji, while France’s points came from tries by Andy Timo and Liam Delamare. Upon resuming play, veteran Sevuloni Mocenacagi broke the deadlock with a try, assisted by Veilawa. Manueli Maisamoa then widened Fiji’s lead to 26-14 after a brilliant run that left the French defense scrambling. France answered back with a late try from Simon Desert, but it was insufficient to change the outcome as Fiji secured the match.

In the women’s competition, Australia claimed the title, defeating New Zealand 26-12 in a compelling final. Australia dominated early, leading 19-0 at halftime with tries from Heidi Dennis, Teagan Levi, and Isabella Nasser. Despite second-half tries from Kelsey Teneti and Stacey Waaka for New Zealand, time ran out for the Black Ferns, granting Australia a well-deserved victory.

In the men’s semifinals, Argentina eliminated Fiji from title contention, winning 29-21. Argentina’s performance, highlighted by tries from Santiago Mare and Santiago Alvarez, who scored twice, overcame Fiji’s efforts. Fiji’s tries came from Naduvalo and Maisamoa, but it was not enough to secure a spot in the final. Argentina advanced to face hosts South Africa, who triumphed over France 22-17 in the other semifinal.

South Africa’s win in their semifinal was celebrated by local fans, with tries from Shilton van Wyk (two tries), Tristan Leyds, and Ryan Oosthuizen. France managed three tries through Jordan Sepho and Josselin Bouhier, but fell short in their quest for the final.

In a separate competition, the Fijiana women’s team finished seventh after a commanding 43-7 victory against Great Britain. They scored seven tries, with Reapi Uluinasau achieving a hat trick, supported by efforts from Sera Bolatini, Atelaite Ralivanawa, Silika Qalo, and Lavena Cavuru. Earlier, the Fijiana side faced a loss to Canada, ending their hopes of a higher placement.

With these results, Fiji’s men’s team prepares to regroup and focus on areas for improvement as they aim to enhance their performance in upcoming competitions. The HSBC Sevens Series continues to showcase thrilling rugby action, with teams vying for crucial points in the standings.