Fiji roar to winning ways as comeback kings claim Singapore 7s title

Fiji’s men have rediscovered their most dangerous weapon.

Trailing France 12-0 at half-time in the Singapore final, Fiji surged back with three unanswered tries to claim a 21-12 victory.

The win seals their first HSBC SVNS title of the season and reaffirms their reputation as the circuit’s ultimate comeback team.

The victory also capped a weekend in which Fiji repeatedly fought their way out of trouble, overturning deficits against South Africa, New Zealand, and France to lift the trophy in dramatic fashion.

France appeared in control at the break after tries from Jordan Sepho and Paulin Riva, but Fiji emerged from the interval transformed.

Viwa Naduvalo ignited the comeback before Kavekini Tanivanuakula and Pilipo Bukayaro finished the job, leaving the French scoreless in the second half.

Fans cheer as elite rugby returns to the Singapore National Stadium. Photo/Singapore Sports Hub

Player of the match Naduvalo said belief had never wavered. “First of all, I want to thank the Lord Almighty for giving us the victory,” he told a post-match interview.

“Credit to the boys for giving their effort. We work together as a unit and we came up with the ‘W’.”

The triumph was Fiji’s second consecutive title in Singapore, a venue that continues to bring out their best.

Fiji defeat New Zealand to secure their next semi-final spot. Photo/Photosport

For Naduvalo, the setting carried personal meaning. “I made my debut here, so it’s like playing at home,” he said. “Yes, Singapore is a great place to play.”

Captain Jeremaia Matana also told media that the side’s resilience reflected their unity and faith after completing their third comeback win of the tournament.

“It’s amazing and I want to give the glory and honour to the Man above,” Matana said. “I’m so happy and proud of the boys. We came back strongly and I want to thank the boys for their hard work.”

Earlier on Sunday, Fiji had stunned New Zealand in the semi-final, fighting back from 14-0 down to win 21-14, before France edged South Africa 12-5 to reach their first final of the season.

New Zealand recovered to claim bronze, beating South Africa 14-12 in the third-place play-off thanks to a stunning solo try from Michael Manson, who chipped over the defence and sprinted 80 metres to score the winner.

While the silver medal was a disappointment for France, their performance across the weekend marked progress, reaching their first final of the campaign and pushing Fiji hard before fading late.

The timing of Fiji's win could prove crucial. After a mixed start to the season, the Singapore title restores confidence and places them firmly back in the championship conversation heading into the next tournament.

The HSBC SVNS series now moves on to Perth in Australia this weekend, with teams regrouping quickly as attention turns to the next stop on the global circuit and a Fiji side once again brimming with belief.

In the women's competition, New Zealand dominated fierce rivals Australia 36-7.

The win secures the Kiwis' third successive title in the city after previous wins in Dubai and a loss in Cape Town.

The Black Ferns Sevens continued to assert their dominance ahead of next weekend’s Perth tournament, with the victory also serving as a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent Mount Maunganui landslides, a tragedy close to the New Zealand teams based on the North Island.

For more information on the HSBC Series, click here.