All Blacks 7s claim both Sydney 7s men’s and women’s titles

The Fiji Airways men’s 7s team put on a much improved performance beating France 29–5 in the bronze final of the Sydney 7s.

Thomas Carol of France scored the opening try, however speedster Iowane Teba responded for Fiji scoring a double in 2 minutes. Viwa Naduvalo extended the lead for Fiji just before half time to 17-5.

Manueli Maisamoa displayed his strength busting through the French defence to score Fiji’s fourth try.

Fresh legs from Alosio Naduva sealed the win for Fiji in the 13th minute.

Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s finished in 6th place after losing to hosts, Australia 36–12 in the 5th place playoff.

The All Black 7s men and women are champions in Sydney after winning both the men’s and women’s titles.

The All Blacks men’s 7s team put a dominant display of 7s rugby, thrashing South Africa 38–0 in the cup final, while the All Blacks women’s team belted France with a 35–0 thrashing as well.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team finished in 5th place after winning the bronze final against France 29–5.

The Fijiana 7s finished 6th.

In the overall series standings for the men, New Zealand leads with 85 points, South Africa is in second place with 76 points, Samoa and France are third and fourth respectively with 68 points each and Fiji is in 5th place with 67 points.

Serious questions are being asked after yet another dismal performance by the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team in the HSBC World 7s Series.

Fiji was bundled out of the cup competition after going down 31-12 to South Africa in the semi final.

We had a subdued performance again on the final day of the tournament while the South Africans came out firing with a clear determination to outsmart the Fijians.

The South Africans were dominant in all aspects of the match with their fast paced play, well executed support play and solid defence.

Fiji, on other hand, had weak defence with a lot of mistackles, lack of support play and lack of cohesion on attack.

The tries for South Africa were scored by Shilton van Wyk, Dalvon Blood and Jaiden Baron.

Iowane Teba scored for Fiji in the 10th minute of play, while Viwa Naduvalo made a last minute try before the final hooter.

In the first semifinal match, New Zealand demonstrated perfect form, thrashing France 36-5.

All Blacks 7s claim both Sydney 7s men’s and women’s titles

Fiji men and Fijiana 7s finish in 5th and 6th place

By Alifereti Sakiasi

Sunday 29/01/2023

The All Black 7s men and women are champions in Sydney after winning both the men’s and women’s titles.

The All Blacks men’s 7s team put a dominant display of 7s rugby, thrashing South Africa 38–0 in the cup final, while the All Blacks women’s team belted France with a 35–0 thrashing as well.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team finished in 5th place after winning the bronze final against France 29–5.

The Fijiana 7s finished 6th.

In the overall series standings for the men, New Zealand leads with 85 points, South Africa is in second place with 76 points, Samoa and France are third and fourth respectively with 68 points each and Fiji is in 5th place with 67 points.

Fiji demolishes France 29-5 to take home bronze in Sydney

By Alifereti Sakiasi

Sunday 29/01/2023

The Fiji Airways men’s 7s team put on a much improved performance beating France 29–5 in the bronze final of the Sydney 7s.

Thomas Carol of France scored the opening try, however speedster Iowane Teba responded for Fiji scoring a double in 2 minutes. Viwa Naduvalo extended the lead for Fiji just before half time to 17-5.

Manueli Maisamoa displayed his strength busting through the French defence to score Fiji’s fourth try.

Fresh legs from Alosio Naduva sealed the win for Fiji in the 13th minute.

Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s finished in 6th place after losing to hosts, Australia 36–12 in the 5th place playoff.

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Ben Gollings says the team is exactly where they want to be and are looking forward to meeting South Africa in the second semi-final in the HSBC Sydney 7s this afternoon.

He says South Africa is a tough opponent as they kept Ireland quiet in their quarter-final clash.

Gollings says their game against France in their last pool match gave them a competitive edge, which they took into that game against Great Britain.

He adds that now it is all about consistency.

Fiji defeated Great Britain 26-14 in the third quarter-finals to set up a semi-final match against South Africa at 5.28 this afternoon.

In another semi-final, New Zealand will take on France at 5.06pm today.

The final will be at 9.26 tonight.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s will take on Japan at 12.54pm today in the fifth place semi-final.

The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team has been bundled out of the cup competition of the Sydney 7s after going down to a classy Irish side 26-12.

Despite the loss, Younis Bese lifted her performance, scoring a try in the first half and landing a try saving tackle in the second half of the match.

The tries for Ireland were scored by Lucy Mulhall, Eve Higgins and Amee Leigh Crowe who got a double.

In earlier matches, USA beat Great Britain 10-5 and France stunned series defending champions and hosts, Australia.

The Fijiana will now play in the 5th place semifinal tomorrow at 12:54pm.

The women’s cup semifinals kick off at 4:22pm and the cup final will be played at 8:56pm tomorrow.

The Fiji Airways men’s 7s team put on a dominant and scintillating display of rugby beating a determined French side 19-12 in their last pool encounter.

Two tries from Viwa Naduvalo and Waisea Nacuqu in the first half saw Fiji lead France at half time 14-7.

A second try from Jonathan Laugel in the 11th minute saw France closing in, however a brilliant try from debutant Josese Batirerega sealed the win for Fiji.

Fiji will now head into the cup quarterfinals after topping their pool.

In earlier matches, Ireland thrashed USA 26-0, South Africa edged New Zealand 17-14, and Tonga beat Japan 16-12.

The cup quarterfinals start at 8.37 tonight, the cup semi-finals start at 5.06pm tomorrow, and the cup final is at 9.26pm tomorrow.

A strong opening session from Adi Vani Buleki sees the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s star leading the Impact Player standings in the HSBC Sydney 7s after Day 1.

Buleki made five tackles, one break, six offloads and nine carries in the two matches the Fijiana has played.

Teammates Ana Maria Naimasi and Reapi Uluinasau are also on the Impact Player standings, sitting in third and fourth place, respectively.

The three were also instrumental in the Fijiana’s 17-14 victory over the USA in their second pool match, with Buleki scoring a double.

The three players are expected to make the run-on team against Canada in their final pool match at 1.06pm today to earn a cup quarter-final spot.

The women's cup quarter finals will begin at 6.54pm today, the cup semi finals will be at 4.22pm tomorrow, and the cup final will kick off at 8.56pm tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team has started their defence of the Sydney 7s title with a comfortable 52–7 win over Tonga.

Fiji will face Japan at 11.28am today and play their final pool match against France at 5.33pm today.

The Cup quarter finals start at 8.37pm today, the Cup semi finals start at 5.06pm tomorrow while the Cup final is at 9.26pm tomorrow.

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side is looking to finish strong in their pool matches this afternoon in their campaign to retain the HSBC Sydney 7s.

Coach Ben Gollings says they know they don’t set their benchmark against Tonga and Japan, however, it has been a good start for the team.

He says the players are playing with control.

Fiji will meet France at 5.33 this afternoon in their final pool match.

Fiji thrashed Tonga 52-7 in their first match, and they demolished Japan 54-0 in their second match.

The Cup quarter-finals start at 8.37 tonight, the Cup semi-finals start at 5.06pm tomorrow, and the Cup final is at 9.26pm tomorrow.

The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team bounced back from their first loss to Great Britain to beat a strong USA 7s outfit 17-14 in the second pool match of the Sydney 7s.

The Fijiana started off well scoring a try through Ana Maria Naimasi in the first minute of the first spell before Adi Vani Buleki extended the lead to 12-0 with a try in the 4th minute.

USA replied with a converted try to trail 12-7 at half time.

Buleki bagged her second try of the match in the 9th minute of play with an unsuccessful conversion to lead 17-7.

USA scored another try in the 11th minute to close the gap 17-14.

The Fijiana held on till the final whistle to win the game.

They will take on Canada in their final pool match at 1.06pm tomorrow.

The women's cup quarter finals will begin at 6.54pm tomorrow, the cup semi finals will be at 4.22pm Sunday and the cup final will kick off at 8.56pm Sunday.

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team has started their defence of the Sydney 7s title with a comfortable 52–7 win over Tonga.

Iowane Teba, Pilipo Bukayaro, Manueli Maisamoa and Waisea Nacuqu scored for Fiji in the first half as they led 28-0 in the first half.

Jerry Matana was red carded just before half time for a dangerous tackle.

Tonga could not take advantage of the numerical advantage as Fiji scored a further four tries through Vuiviawa Naduvalo who scored twice, Maisamoa and Bukayaro.

Fiji will face Japan at 11.28am today and play their final pool match against France at 5.33pm today.

The Cup quarter finals start at 8.37pm today, the Cup semi finals start at 5.06pm tomorrow while the Cup final is at 9.26pm Sunday.

The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side has lost its opening pool match 17-5 against Great Britain in the Sydney 7s.

Ana Maria Naimasi scored the try for Fiji as they led 5-0 at half time.

Great Britain scored three unanswered tries to secure the win.

They will take on USA at 7 tonight, and will play Canada at 1.06pm tomorrow.

The Cup quarter finals will begin at 6.54pm tomorrow, the Cup semi finals will begin at 4.44pm Sunday and the Cup final will be played at 8.56pm Sunday.

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Ben Gollings says it does not matter which teams they will come up against in the Sydney 7s as they will treat their opposition with the same focus when going up against big teams.

Gollings highlighted this when questioned by the media on the teams they will play in their pool matches.

He says they cannot afford to be complacent, and they should beat these teams.

Fiji will begin the defence of their Sydney 7s title against Tonga at 4.50pm today. They will face Japan at 11.28am tomorrow and play their final pool match against France at 5.33pm tomorrow.

The Cup quarter finals start at 8.37pm tomorrow, the Cup semi finals start at 5.06pm Sunday while the Cup final is at 9.26pm Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s will play Great Britain at 1pm today in their first pool match, they will then take on USA at 7 tonight, and will play Canada at 1.06pm tomorrow.

The Cup quarter finals will begin at 6.54pm tomorrow, the Cup semi finals will begin at 4.44pm Sunday and the Cup final will be played at 8.56pm Sunday.

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Ben Gollings says finishing as one of the top 2 teams this week at the HSBC Sydney 7s is very important for the side as they aim to improve their position in the 2022/2023 World Rugby 7s Series points table.

With Fiji currently in 8th place, Gollings believe there is still time to improve their position.

He says consistency and points are key for the side and he understands that a lot of big teams are also under the pump to earn that four automatic spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Fiji will take on Tonga at 4.50pm today in their first pool match, they will face Japan at 11.28am tomorrow and play their final pool match against France at 5.33pm tomorrow.

The men’s Cup quarter-finals start at 8.37pm tomorrow, the Cup semi-finals start at 5.06pm Sunday, while the Cup final is at 9.26pm Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s will play Great Britain at 1pm today in their first pool match, they will then take on USA at 7 tonight and will play Canada at 1.06pm tomorrow in their last pool game.

The women’s Cup quarter-finals will begin at 6.54pm tomorrow, the Cup semi-finals will begin at 4.44pm Sunday, and the Cup final will be played at 8.56pm Sunday.

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Ben Gollings says there will be no excuses this weekend and they will leave no stones unturned in a bid to defend their Sydney 7s title and improve their position on the overall HSBC World Rugby 7s standings.

With only one change to the squad after Filipe Sauturaga was ruled out due to injury, the team is looking forward to redeeming themselves after a dismal performance in the last four tournaments.

With 7 tournaments to go, Fiji is in 8th place.

The top 4 teams automatically qualify for the Paris Olympics next year.

Fiji will take on Tonga at 4.50pm tomorrow in their first pool match, they will face Japan at 11.28am Saturday and play their final pool match against France at 5.33pm Saturday.

The men’s Cup quarter finals start at 8.37pm Saturday, the Cup semi finals start at 5.06pm Sunday while the Cup final is at 9.26pm Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s will play Great Britain at 1pm in their first pool match tomorrow, they will then take on USA at 7pm tomorrow, and will play Canada at 1.06pm Saturday.

The women’s Cup quarter finals will begin at 6.54pm Saturday, the Cup semi finals will begin at 4.44pm Sunday and the Cup final will be played at 8.56pm Sunday.

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team forward, Raijieli Daveua has been ruled out of the Sydney 7s this weekend.

Daveua suffered a concussion during the Hamilton 7s and has returned home.

There will be no replacement for Daveua at this weekend’s tournament.

The Fijiana 7s will play Great Britain at 1pm in their first pool match on Friday, they will then take on USA at 7pm Friday, and will play Canada at 1.06pm Saturday.

The Cup quarter finals will begin at 6.54pm Saturday, the Cup semi finals will begin at 4.44pm Sunday and the Cup final will be played at 8.56pm Sunday.

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team will begin the defence of their Sydney 7s title against Tonga at 4.50pm on Friday.

They will face Japan at 11.28am Saturday and play their final pool match against France at 5.33pm Saturday.

The Cup quarter finals start at 8.37pm Saturday, the Cup semi finals start at 5.06pm Sunday while the Cup final is at 9.26pm Sunday.

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Ben Gollings was disappointed by the team's performance at the HSBC Hamilton 7s and is determined that they will turn the wheels of fortune this week in Sydney.

He says there were a lot of scrappy plays, and they did not do the things they had discussed.

Gollings says they gave away a lot of penalties which hurt them, however, he has discussed this with the players, and he hopes they lift their standard this week.

Fiji is in pool D alongside France, Tonga and Japan.

The Sydney 7s will start on Friday.

A lot will be at stake for the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side in the Sydney 7s this weekend.

Fiji who are the defending champions will aim to defend their title and also improve their standing in the rankings.

The national side currently sits 8th on the table with 50 points.

Fiji is in pool D alongside France, Tonga and Japan.

The Sydney 7s will start on Friday.

High school rugby prodigy Payton Spencer will go from boys to men when he likely makes his All Blacks Sevens debut this weekend.

Payton, the son of former All Black and Blues great Carlos Spencer has been included in the travelling squad for the next stop on the World Series circuit, this weekend’s Sydney tournament.

The 18-year-old, fresh out of Hamilton Boys’ High School, was one of three new All Blacks Sevens signings announced, just a week ago, alongside Xavier Tito-Harris and Tepaea Cook-Savage.

Source: Stuff.Co

The men’s pools for this weekend’s Sydney 7s has been confirmed with Fiji in pool D alongside France, Tonga and Japan.

Hamilton 7s champions, Argentina will face off against tournament hosts Australia, Great Britain and Canada.

Pool B features current world series leaders New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya and Uruguay.

USA joins Ireland, Samoa and Spain in pool C.

The Sydney 7s will kick off this Friday.

Fiji is the defending champion of the Sydney 7s.

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side have defeated Japan 54-0 in their second pool match at the HSBC Sydney 7s.

Fiji proved too strong for the Japanese side as they scored seven tries.

Newcomer, Joseva Batirerega and Sevuloni Mocenacagi collected a double, while Waisea Nacuqu, Tevita Daugunu, and Pilipo Bukayaro scored a try each.

Fiji led 26-0 at half-time.

Fiji will face France at 5.33 this afternoon in their final pool match.

In other results, New Zealand thrashed Kenya 33-0, Samoa defeated the USA 26-7, South Africa thumped Uruguay 28-12 and Ireland beat Spain 26-0.

The Cup quarter finals start at 8.37pm today, the Cup semi finals start at 5.06pm tomorrow while the Cup final is at 9.26pm tomorrow.