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Fiji Claims World Rugby Sevens Series Title with Dominant Victory in Singapore

Brooke Taylor
Brooke Taylor
Rugby Correspondent
1:19 PM
RUGBY
Fiji Claims World Rugby Sevens Series Title with Dominant Victory in Singapore
The Pacific Island nation secured their fifth consecutive series championship with a 28-14 victory over New Zealand in the Singapore Sevens final.

Fiji cemented their status as the world's premier rugby sevens nation today, claiming their fifth consecutive World Rugby Sevens Series title with a commanding 28-14 victory over New Zealand in the Singapore Sevens final at the National Stadium. The triumph marks another chapter in Fiji's remarkable dominance of the shortened format, showcasing the blend of natural athleticism, flair, and tactical awareness that has made them virtually unbeatable over the past five seasons.

The final was a showcase of Fijian rugby at its finest, with captain Jerry Tuwai leading from the front with two tries and a masterful display of leadership that guided his team through moments of intense pressure. Tuwai, who has been the heartbeat of this Fijian team for nearly a decade, opened the scoring with a characteristic weaving run through the heart of the New Zealand defense, leaving three defenders in his wake before diving over the line. His second try, scored just before halftime, effectively broke New Zealand's resistance and set up Fiji's latest triumph.

New Zealand, led by veteran Scott Curry, fought valiantly throughout the contest but struggled to contain Fiji's explosive pace and offloading game that has become their trademark. The All Blacks Sevens scored first through a well-worked team move finished by Regan Ware, but Fiji's response was immediate and devastating. Wings Napolioni Bolaca and Meli Derenalagi exploited gaps in the New Zealand defense with their blistering speed, combining for three tries that showcased the depth of talent available to Fijian rugby.

The victory capped off a perfect weekend for Fiji in Singapore, where they won all six of their matches without conceding more than two tries in any single game. Their pool stage victories over England, Australia, and Kenya demonstrated the consistency that has defined their recent success, while semifinal and final wins showed their ability to raise their performance levels when the stakes are highest. Coach Ben Gollings praised his team's mental fortitude and preparation, noting that their success stems from months of careful planning and conditioning work.

For New Zealand, the loss was disappointing but highlighted the progress made under new coach Clark Laidlaw, who took over the program following the Tokyo Olympics. The All Blacks Sevens have struggled to match their historical success in recent years, but their run to the Singapore final suggested that they remain a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. Captain Curry expressed pride in his team's performance while acknowledging Fiji's superiority on the day.

Fiji's series victory extends their remarkable run of success that began in 2019 and shows no signs of slowing down as they prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2028 Paris Olympics. The Pacific Island nation's investment in rugby sevens infrastructure and youth development continues to pay dividends, with a conveyor belt of talent ensuring that their dominance looks set to continue for years to come. As the World Rugby Sevens Series moves on to its next destination in Hong Kong, Fiji will arrive as overwhelming favorites to extend their winning streak and further cement their legacy as the greatest sevens team in rugby history.

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