Fiji Men's 7s on track for Dubai title defence as they set up semifinal showdown with New Zealand

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side remains on track to defend their Dubai 7s title, but they know a tough challenge awaits as they prepare to face New Zealand in the semi-finals tonight.

Fiji has won the Dubai title three times—in 2013, 2015 and 2024—while New Zealand has claimed the trophy seven times, making the long-standing rivalry a major highlight of the knockout rounds.

A win tonight would give Fiji a strong start to the new HSBC SVNS Series season and a valuable boost in the overall standings.

Coach Osea Kolinisau says the players understand they cannot afford to slip in any match, and they must be at their best against every opponent.

Kolinisau adds that although Fiji enters the tournament as defending champions, their focus has been on preparation and executing what they have worked on in the lead-up to Dubai.

Fiji will take on New Zealand at 10.28pm in the second semi-final, while Australia meets France at 10.06pm in the first semi-final.

The men’s final will kick off at 4.11am tomorrow.