Sydney 7s 2020

Fans flock airport to welcome Fiji 7s team (Tuesday 04/02/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua

Fans turned up in numbers at the Nadi International Airport to welcome the Fiji Airways Men’s and Women’s National 7s team.

The men’s team won the title in Sydney while the women’s team finished 5th.

Meli Derenalagi who won his first tournament as captain says it was quite challenging to fill in as captain.

He thanked senior teammates like Jerry Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Waisea Nacuqu for helping him lead the team.

Following their winning performance in the Sydney 7s, Fiji now sits at fifth spot in the HSBC World Rugby 7s standing with 53 points while New Zealand are still series leaders with 76 points.

The Men's World Series resumes in Los Angeles at the end of the month.

Bolaca and Nacuqu selected in 2020 HSBC Sydney 7s Dream team (Monday 03/02/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua

Napolioni Bolaca and Waisea Nacuqu have been selected in the 2020 HSBC Sydney 7s Dream Team.

CHAMPIONS. 🇫🇯 @fijirugby bring the cup home for the first time this series. 🏆#HSBC7s #Sydney7s #Rugby7s pic.twitter.com/FVFj38Qr7Y

— HSBC Sport (@HSBC_Sport) February 2, 2020

Bolaca played a crucial role in Fiji’s 12-10 victory over South Africa in the final last night, where he scored the only tries for Fiji to give them the win.

He does it for his nation. 🇫🇯

Napolioni Bolaca is your men’s HSBC Player of the Final. #HSBC7s #Sydney7s #Rugby7s pic.twitter.com/3Nj4yyg3af

— HSBC Sport (@HSBC_Sport) February 2, 2020

Also included in the team are three South African players; JC Pretorius, Selvyn Davids and Anglo Davids, with Ben Pinkelman of USA and Ben Harris of England.

The Men's @HSBC_Sport Dream Team for Sydney

Featuring players from @USARugby , @Blitzboks, @englandrugby and @fijirugby #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/3mWK5YqNsy

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

Fiji currently sits at 5th spot with 53 points in the HSBC World Rugby 7s series standing while New Zealand are still leading with 76 points.

HIGHLIGHTS | The best action from finals day at the #Sydney7s #DHLRugby pic.twitter.com/GMMS5eAEio

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

The Los Angeles 7s Tournament will be held from the 1st of next month.

Fiji wins Sydney 7s beating South Africa 12-10 in the final (Monday 03/02/2020)
By Shanil Singh
 

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team have won the HSBC Sydney 7s for the first time after beating South Africa 12-10 in the final.

Napolioni Bolaca who was also named as the player of the final scored twice in the first half as Fiji led 12-5 at the break.

More than a sport ❤️️#HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/CpAT0Tpr4I

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

🏆CHAMPIONS 🏆

Fiji win it in Sydney! #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/eiSJ2Ai5gw

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

Josua Vakurunabili was shown a yellow card in the first half for a shoulder charge.

Zain Davids scored the first try of the second half to bring South Africa back into the match but Fiji hung on to win

This was also Fiji’s first tournament win in the HSBC 7s Series this season.

Fiji co-captain Meli Derenalagi says the win was all about a great team effort.

Fiji has now moved to 5th in the HSBC 7s Series Standings with 53 points while New Zealand still lead the series with 76 points.

"I told my team, to come out here, enjoy and do the job"

Fiji captain Meli Derenalagi inspired his side to a first ever HSBC Sydney Sevens win #Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/O7MUSeLYFL

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

At half-time, it's RSA 5-12 FIJ

Follow the men's final of the #Sydney7s LIVE! https://t.co/0XLgkbdPLa pic.twitter.com/N16n959gqQ

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

Fiji had earlier beaten England 17-14 in the semi-final.

Fiji to play South Africa in the final at 10:26PM (Sunday 02/02/2020)
By Fijivillage

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team are through to the final of the HSBC Sydney 7s after beating England 17-14 in the second semi-final.

Napolioni Bolaca the only try of the first half as Fiji led 7-0 at the break.

"A remarkable finish to the game, @fijirugby secure it with a knock on."

The final moments of an entertaining cup semi-final but it's @fijirugby who come out on top and are headed to the cup final at the #HSBC7s in Sydney.

Final score: FIJ 17 ENG 14 pic.twitter.com/pTEux5DRra

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

Waisea Nacugu then scored Fiji’s second try in the second half to extend the lead to 12-0 before Jerry Tuwai scored in the corner to take the game beyond England’s reach.

Fiji were down to 5 men at one stage in the second half as Asaeli Tuivuaka and Alasio Naduva were both shown yellow cards.

South Africa had earlier beaten USA 19-12 in the first semi-final.

Fiji play South Africa at 10:26pm.

"Getting into a bit of Fijian flair, it works for us when we can get offloads in wide channels..."@fijirugby's head coach Gareth Baber on beating England and what they need to do better in the cup final.#Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/4jGrDqeOsA

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

Fiji wallops Wales to book Sydney 7s semi final with England (Sunday 02/02/2020)
By Naveel Krishant
 

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team has qualified for the semi-final of the Sydney 7s as they thrashed Wales 55-0 in their last pool match.

Fiji ran rampant and Wales had no answer for the Fijian onslaught. 

Fiji scored their tries in the first half through Aminiasi Tuimaba who scored twice, while Jerry Tuwai, Meli Derenalagi and Waisea Nacuqu scored a try each.

.@robvickerman speaks to @fijirugby's Meli Derenalagi after they beat Wales to confirm their place in the Cup Semi-Finals.

They Play @USARugby at 16.20 AUS Local.#Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/fkc9B6MOrY

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 2, 2020

The national side was in the same devastating form in the second half as Napolioni Bolaca scored soon after the re-start.

Fiji continued the rampant try scoring form through Asaeli Tuivuaka, Alasio Naduva and Livai Ikanikoda.

Captain Meli Derenalagi was also instrumental as he won a number of re-starts.

Derenalagi says the players are like brothers.

Fiji also improved in their breakdowns.

Fiji will now play England in the second semi-final at 5.42pm.

The final is at 9.56 tonight.

Fiji smash NZ in Sydney 7s pool match (Saturday 01/02/2020)
By Shanil Singh

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team are a win away from the semi-final of the HSBC Sydney 7s after beating series leaders New Zealand 26-5 in their second pool match.

"For them it was just to prove a few points..."@robvickerman speaks to @fijirugby head coach Gareth Baber after his side beat New Zealand 26-5 at the #Sydney7s. pic.twitter.com/UTtkzyR4ZC

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 1, 2020

Two tries from Aminiasi Tuimaba and a try from Sevuloni Mocenacagi saw Fiji lead 21-0 at the break.

Regan Ware scored early in the second half to bring New Zealand back in the match but a late try from Waisea Nacuqu secured the win.

Here we go! It's the final match of the night at the #Sydney7s.@AllBlacks7s v @fijirugby in Pool A.https://t.co/JLMxpHKqjv pic.twitter.com/Hdccth9P1f

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 1, 2020

Coach Gareth Baber says the players love playing against New Zealand and the match was like a final itself.

Fiji now needs a win against Wales in their last pool match tomorrow to qualify for the semi-final.

Fiji play Wales at 2.19pm tomorrow.

The semi-final will start at 5.20pm tomorrow while the final is at 9.56pm.

What a first half from @fijirugby. They lead @AllBlacks7s 21 points to 0 and the fans are hyped.#Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/s3eBOAfk0J

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 1, 2020

What. A. Spectacle.

Day one of the #Sydney7s rounds out in true #HSBC7s style. pic.twitter.com/mj8ilIoWiE

— HSBC Sport (@HSBC_Sport) February 1, 2020

Fiji beats Kenya 28-14 in 1st pool match (Saturday 01/02/2020)
By Naveel Krishant

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team has made a winning start at the Sydney 7s as they beat Kenya 28- 14.

THE OFFLOAD IS NEXT LEVEL! @fijirugby run wild at the #Sydney7s. This try had it all!#DHLRugby #ImpactMoment pic.twitter.com/aTAb83CRo4

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 1, 2020

Collins Injera scored for Kenya as they took a 7-0 lead.

Fiji’s speedster, Aminiasi Tuimaba scored to level the scores before Vilimoni Botitu scored out-wide to ensure that Fiji leads at half-time.

Fiji led 14-7 at half time

Fiji started the second half in similar fashion as they closed the first half as Josua Vakurunabili was the recipient of a brilliant off-load by Waisea Nacuqu to score Fiji’s third try.

Tuimaba scored Fiji’s last try before Kenya got a consolation try.

The temperature in Parramatta is close to mid 40’s.

Fiji captain Meli Derenalagi says they have learned from their mistakes and are ready for New Zealand later tonight.

He has also thanked the fans for turning up in numbers.

Fiji will take on New Zealand at 9.33pm and play Wales at 2.19pm tomorrow in their last pool match.

The @OfficialKRU fans loving the #Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/TjnJ5OUj9b

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 1, 2020

Fiji aim to create history by winning their first title in Sydney (Saturday 01/02/2020)
By Naveel Krishant

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team will be out to create history as they aim to win their first title at the Sydney 7s

Since the Australian leg of the HSBC 7s series moved to Sydney in 2016, Fiji are yet to win.

The best finish we have had was a third-place finish in 2016.

Fiji's last win in Australia was in the 2014-2015 season when we won the Gold Coast 7s title.

The Fiji Men’s 7s team will open their Sydney 7s campaign against Kenya at 3.09pm today, then they will take on New Zealand at 9.33pm  and  play Wales at 2.19pm tomorrow in their last pool match.

Speedster Alasio Naduva back in Fiji 7s team for Sydney 7s (Friday 31/01/2020)
By Fijivillage

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s speedster Alasio Naduva has been included in the 12 member team that will participate in the Sydney 7s tomorrow.

Fiji 7s forward Apenisa Cakubalavu will be taking his place as the 13th player.

Fiji 7s Coach, Gareth Baber says after gauging the performance of the players during their training and game analysis from Hamilton 7s, they have decided to include Naduva and shift Cakaubalavu to 13th player.

Baber says the players regrouped after the Hamilton 7s outing and worked on rectifying a few key areas through-out the week.

Also, the Fijiana 7s team have been named and they will be without captain Raijeli Daveuwa and sprint-queen Asinate Savu.

Both players have been ruled out after suffering injuries in Hamilton last weekend.

Pricilla Siata, who joined the camp in Sydney this week has been included in the 12 member team.

Tokasa Seniyasi will be wearing the captaincy armband and she will also be the youngest player to captain the Fijiana 7s team to an international tournament.

Seniyasi will be guided by experienced players such as Rusila Nagasau and Ana Maria Roqica.

 

 

 

 

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Team Announcement📣📣 Here's your Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s final 12 for Sydney tournament. #NewHeights🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯

A post shared by Official Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugbyunion) on Jan 30, 2020 at 6:49pm PST

Meanwhile, the Fiji Men’s 7s team will open their Sydney 7s campaign against Kenya at 3.09pm tomorrow, then they will take on New Zealand at 9.33pm tomorrow and  play Wales at 2.19pm Sunday in their last pool.

The Fijiana 7s team will face USA at 10.30am tomorrow in their first pool match, they will take on Canada at 4.30pm tomorrow before meeting Brazil at 9.45am Sunday in their last pool.

Fiji 7s optimistic of Sydney 7s tournament (Friday 31/01/20200
By Navitalai Naivalurua

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team will be aiming to win their first-ever Sydney 7s title tomorrow.

Fiji has never won the title since its inception in 2016.

In the past years, Fiji has only come close to winning the title since they finished in 4th place last year, third place in 2018, 5th place in 2017 and 3rd place in 2016.

Fiji 7s co-captain Meli Derenalagi says there is a lot of expectations for the team and players understand that they need lift their performance.

Derenalagi says they have reviewed their matches last week, and have been working on these mistakes during their training sessions.

Fiji kick off their Sydney 7s campaign against Kenya at 3.09pm tomorrow, they then play New Zealand at 9.33pm tomorrow and play Wales at 2.19pm Sunday in their last pool match.

The semi-finals start at 5.20pm Sunday while the final will be played at 9.56pm Sunday.

The women’s competition starts at 10.30am tomorrow with the Fijiana playing USA. The men’s competition kicks off at 12.57pm tomorrow with USA taking on Scotland.

Fiji 7s team ready for Sydney 7s - Derenalagi (Thursday 30/01/2020)
By Dhanjay Deo
 

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7’s team co-captain, Meli Derenalagi says they have regrouped and are looking forward to the Sydney 7’s after their dismal performance last weekend.

Fiji which failed to spark last weekend in New Zealand will have to show major improvement in the pool stages to secure a spot in the semis this week as they will face teams like series leaders, New Zealand, Kenya and Wales.

Derenalagi says the players have worked on their weaknesses.

Fiji kicks-off their Sydney 7s campaign against Kenya at 3.09pm Saturday, they then play New Zealand at 9.33pm Saturday and play Wales at 2.19pm Sunday in their last pool match.

The semi-finals start at 5.20pm Sunday while the final will be played at 9.56pm Sunday.