Pacific pride on show in HK as Fiji fight on and Black Ferns seal title

The Hong Kong 7s delivered another big weekend of Pacific rugby with Fiji’s sides showing fight and New Zealand’s Black Ferns Sevens once again proving they are the team to beat.

Fiji’s men finished fifth after a composed 26-10 win over Australia, closing their campaign on a high despite falling short of the Cup rounds.

Alofiana-style pace and power defined their performance with Tomasi Vuluma opening the scoring before Kavekini Tanivanuakula added a key try after strong work in midfield.

Fiji led 14-5 at half-time and never lost control even when Australia pushed back.

Vuiviawa Naduvalo, the series’ top tryscorer, once again showed his class, finishing off a strong run to seal the result.

It capped a mixed tournament for Fiji, who impressed in pool play with wins over Germany, Great Britain and France, before falling 24-17 to Argentina in the quarter-finals.

The Fijiana side also finished strongly, beating Spain 31-7 to secure seventh place.

Reapi Ulunisau and Atelaite Ralivanawa both crossed for two tries each in a confident display, with Adimereani Rogosau adding another.

Black Fern Braxton Sorensen-McGee, second from right, is tackled by Fiji's captain Reapi Ulunisau in their match on day two of play. Photo/Photosport/Isaac Lawrence

After a tough run that included heavy losses to New Zealand and Australia, the result showed the group’s resilience to bounce back and finish with purpose.

While Fiji’s teams fought their way through the placings, it was the Black Ferns Sevens who stole the spotlight once again.

New Zealand edged Australia 19-14 in a tight final to claim the Hong Kong title, their fourth straight at the tournament and sixth of the season.

In a match between the two top sides in the world, the Black Ferns showed composure and control in key moments.

Mahina Paul struck first before Jorja Miller crossed to extend the lead, continuing her outstanding season.

Australia stayed close but New Zealand held firm with Kelsey Teneti adding a crucial try before a late effort from Maddison Levi came too late to change the result.

Action from the Fiji and France pool play in Hong Kong. Photo/Supplied

Player of the Final Risi Pouri-Lane said the moment meant plenty for the team.

“To come here and play in a final at the home of Sevens Rugby in such an iconic stadium has been an awesome privilege," she told a post-match interview.

“The girls showed grit and heart and it took a whole squad effort.”

With another title secured, the Black Ferns are showing no signs of slowing down.

“We love these finals. They’re the moments we live for,” Miller told journalists. “We want to keep improving and stay unbeaten in Valladolid next month and hopefully win another title at the end of it.”

For Pacific fans, the weekend was a reminder of the region’s strength in sevens rugby - from Fiji’s attacking flair to New Zealand’s consistency at the top.

The results may have been mixed, but the impact remains clear: Pacific teams continue to shape the global game.

The HSBC SVNS series now heads to Europe to wrap up the 2025-26 season with the final two World Championship rounds in Valladolid, Spain (29-31 May) and Bordeaux, France, (5-7 June).

These tournaments will decide the overall SVNS world champions as well as the final promotion and relegation places.

For more on the HSBC SVNS, click here.