Fiji Men’s 7s remain top despite 21-19 loss to South Africa in Perth 7s final

Despite going down 21-19 to South Africa in the HSBC SVNS Perth 7s final, the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team remains at the top of the points table with 70 points.

The Blitzbokers started the final strong, scoring two converted tries through Ryan Oosthuizen and Sebastiaan Jobb to take a 14-0 lead.

Fiji’s first try came from speedster Vuiviawa Naduvalo, slicing through South Africa’s defence to reduce the gap to 5-14.

Captain Jerry Matana added another try for Fiji, leaving them trailing 12-14 at half-time.

Fiji came back firing in the second half, with halfback Terio Veilawa busting through the Blitzbokers’ defence and running straight under the posts to give Fiji a 19-12 lead.

Oosthuizen scored his second try for South Africa in the corner, with Ricardo Duarttee converting from wide to reclaim the lead.

Fiji tried their best to break through South Africa’s defence but were penalised in the final moments, allowing the Blitzbokers to secure the win.

Meanwhile, South Africa are second on the points table with 66 points, followed by New Zealand in third with 62 points.

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Kick-off: Fiji

1' Try to South Africa. Ryan Oosthuizen. FJ 0-7 SA

4' Try to South Africa. Sebastiaan Jobb. SA 14-0 FJ

5' Try to Fiji. Nice step from Viwa Naduvalo and uses his speed. FJ 5-14 SA

7' Try to Fiji. Captain Jerry Matana. FJ 12-14 SA

HT: FJ 12-14 SA

8' Try to Fiji. Nice strong fend off from Terio Veilawa. FJ 19-14 SA

10' Try to South Africa. Ryan Oosthuizen. FJ 19-21 SA