Fiji men draw decider while Black Ferns 7s claim final victory

Fiji men’s sevens side has produced a trademark late rescue act to draw 19-19 with Australia in a thrilling series decider in Sydney on Saturday while the Black Ferns 7s bounced back to claim the women's title.

Playing as part of a historic quad-header before the Wallaroos-Scotland and All Blacks-Wallabies Bledisloe Test at Accor Stadium, the two-time Olympic champion Fijians proved their never-say-die reputation remains intact ahead of next month's HSBC SVNS World Series opener in Dubai.

The Australian women defeated Scotland 56-12 while New Zealand proved too strong for Australia 43-21 in their second Bledisloe match.

After splitting Friday’s opening two matches where Fiji 7s took the opener 10-0 before Australia struck back 24-14, both sides threw everything into Saturday's final.

Australia appeared on track to steal the series decider after second-half tries to Tylan Berryman and Maurice Longbottom put the hosts ahead.

Longbottom lit up the Sydney crowd with a double side-step off his right foot to beat two defenders and scoot over the line.

But with Australia holding a tight lead in the dying moments, the Fijians won a crucial scrum against the feed with just five seconds remaining on the clock.

Capitalising on the turnover, Iowane Teba scored a late try to lock the scores at 19-all as the final siren sounded.

Speaking on the squad's preparation and mindset ahead of the series, Fiji coach Osea Kolinisau emphasised that tested decision-making and consistency are vital when facing top-tier opposition.

Fiji men's 7s coach Osea Kolinisau says discipline and decision-making are key ahead of next month's SVNS World Series opener in Dubai. Photo/Supplied

"Our decision-making is crucial and that is one thing I have consistently stressed to the players," Kolinisau told media. "It comes down with discipline... Decision-making is crucial and it determines the outcome of the game."

In the women's series, New Zealand’s Black Ferns Sevens showed true champion resolve, overcoming back-to-back Friday defeats against reigning world champions Australia to strike back with a 21-12 victory in Saturday’s finale.

Jorja Miller sparked the Kiwis early with an opening try before Felix Hotham crossed to extend New Zealand’s lead to two tries before half-time.

The Black Ferns put the match out of reach with a third try after the break. Maddison Levi scored a late double for Australia, taking her tally to six tries across the three matches, but it was not enough to deny the Kiwis a commanding finish.

The Sydney quad-header was the first time an international Sevens fixture has been played on the same bill before an All Blacks Test.

Black Ferns Sevens head coach Cory Sweeney welcomed the initiative and the value of bringing the shortened format to a massive audience. More than 70,000 fans packed the Accor.

orja Miller ignited the attack as the Black Ferns Sevens overcame back-to-back defeats to claim a 21-12 victory over reigning world champions Australia. Photo/NZR

"It will be a special occasion to be a part of the Bledisloe Cup event, and an opportunity to showcase the game of Sevens on one of rugby’s biggest stages and add another chapter to our rich trans-Tasman rugby rivalry," Sweeney said in a statement.

Reflecting on the final clash, Miller, the New Zealand star and former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, said the team focused on correcting their early errors to build momentum into the new season.

"It was all about getting our structure right and stepping up the physicality after Friday," she told Stan Sport after the match. "Facing top-quality opposition like Australia gives us exactly the hit-out we need before heading to Dubai."

Meanwhile, Australian playmaker Longbottom admitted losing the late turnover against Fiji was a tough pill to swallow, but he welcomed the high-intensity test.

"It’s always a battle against Fiji, you can never relax for a second," Longbottom said on Stan. "We had it in our hands, but to lose that scrum at the end shows how quick they are to punish any mistake."

The 2026 Dubai Sevens will take place from 28 to 30 November at The Sevens Stadium. For more details, visit emiratesdubai7s.comr