Fiji loses Series and New York 7s title after 10-7 defeat against South Africa

A last-minute knock-on cost the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side the HSBC SVNS New York 7s and the 2025–2026 World Sevens Series title as they went down 10-7 to South Africa in the final.

The match was filled with excitement as both teams gave their all.

Gino Cupido scored the first try to put the Blitzboks into a 5-0 lead.

South Africa held on to their lead until halftime.

Fiji also made some crucial mistakes, knocking the ball forward in their own territory, giving the South Africans a chance to extend their lead.

However, Fiji’s defence stood tall.

Fiji continued to hunt for their first try and they were rewarded in the 11th minute through a try from Terio Tamani to close the gap to 7-10.

The match went down to the final minutes as Fiji continued their attack, but the ball was lost in the final pass, giving South Africa the final say.

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KICK OFF: Fiji

1' Try to South Africa. Gino Cupido FJ 0-5 SA

3' Pressure build-up. A great tackle from Douglas Daveta. FJ 0-5 SA

6' Fiji knocks the ball on at a crucial moment. South Africa gets a scrum. FJ 0-5 SA

HT: FJ 0-5 SA

Second half

Kick-off: South Africa

7' South Africa gets a scrum inside Fiji's 22m. FJ 0-5 SA

8' Try to South Africa. Tristan Leyds. FJ 0-10 SA

11' Try to Fiji. Terio Veilawa. FJ 7-10 SA

13' Fiji lost the ball so close to the tryline.  FJ 7-10 SA