Fiji extend series lead despite Perth final loss

Fiji have extended their lead in the HSBC SVNS series despite a narrow 21–19 loss to South Africa in the Perth 7s final in Australia last night.

Fiji now lead the series standings with 70 points, following last week’s tournament win in Singapore and a runner-up finish in Perth. South Africa sit second on 64 points, while New Zealand are third with 62.

The Blitzboks avenged their 20–14 pool-stage loss to Fiji on Saturday, with the boot of Ricardo Duarttee proving decisive. Scores were locked at 19-all in the 10th minute before Duarttee converted to give South Africa a 21–19 lead that held until the final whistle.

South Africa took an early 14–0 lead before Fiji responded with tries from Viuviwa Naduvalo and Jeremaia Matana to trail by just two points at halftime.

Terio Tamani crossed for Fiji’s third try to put them ahead, before Ryan Oosthuizen struck back for South Africa to level the scores, setting up Duarttee’s match-winning conversion.

The next leg of the HSBC SVNS series will be held in Vancouver, Canada, on March 7–8.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s women continue to lead the women’s standings with 78 points after winning both the Singapore and Perth tournaments.

Fiji results (Perth 7s):
Men’s final: Fiji 19–21 South Africa
Semi-final: Fiji 35–0 New Zealand

Pool matches:
Fiji 20–14 South Africa
Fiji 26–24 Spain
Fiji 26–10 Argentina