In a thrilling semifinal clash at the HSBC Vancouver Sevens 2025, the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team narrowly lost to a six-man South African side, with a final score of 12-10. The match, held on February 23, 2025, at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, showcased intense competition between the two rugby sevens powerhouses.
Fiji took an early lead when Joji Nasova displayed remarkable composure under pressure, evading a defender near their own try line and sprinting 95 meters to score the opening try. Despite being down to six players due to a yellow card, South Africa managed to level the score with a try of their own. In the dying moments of the match, South Africa capitalized on a critical opportunity, scoring a decisive try and waiting for the final hooter before taking the conversion, sealing their 12-10 victory.
This defeat comes on the heels of Fiji’s quarterfinal exit at the Perth 7s, where they were bested 19-0 by South Africa. Discipline issues plagued the Fijian side in that encounter, with two players receiving sin bins, which significantly impacted their performance.
Looking ahead, the Fiji 7s team will need to address these challenges as they prepare for the upcoming legs of the HSBC SVNS Series 2025. The next tournaments are scheduled in Hong Kong from March 28-30 and Singapore from April 5-6, 2025.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and overcomes recent setbacks, aiming to reclaim their dominant form in the international rugby sevens arena.
