Fiji and South Africa have been drawn in the same men’s pool for the fourth time in as many HSBC SVNS Series events this season, and are set to renew their rivalry in Perth this weekend.
Perth’s HBF Park will host the fourth round of the 2025/26 season on Saturday and Sunday, with the circuit returning to Western Australia for the third straight year.
In Perth, Argentina have twice been crowned champions, while Fiji managed a fifth-place finish at last year’s tournament.
South Africa became world champions a few months later, as they took out the winner-takes-all World Championship in Los Angeles.
Fiji would also go on to secure their second Cup title of that season, defeating Kenya 21-12 at the SVNS Singapore decider in April.
These SVNS Series juggernauts have played out some thrillers already this season, setting the scene for another enthralling encounter on Saturday.
Fiji beat South Africa 28-10 in Dubai and 24-19 in Singapore, while the Blitzboks claimed a 24-21 victory in Cape Town late last year.
Fiji will take plenty of confidence into Perth after winning their second straight Singapore Sevens title, triumphing over France 21-12.
But a group featuring Spain and Argentina is certainly deserving of the ‘pool of death’ label, with anyone capable of taking top spot.
Fiji are now in the lead on the standings with 52 points, closely followed by New Zealand with 48 and South Africa with 46 points in third place.
Fiji play Argentina at 4.20pm Saturday, they then meet Spain at 7.36pm before facing South Africa at 10.52pm that same night.
The Men's Cup semi finals kick off at 4.57pm Sunday followed by the Cup final at 9.04pm.
