The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team has won the Singapore 7s in style after defeating Australia 28-22 in the final to take the lead in the World Sevens Series for the first time this season.
Alasio Naduva was the star of the final as he broke the Aussies hearts in the last minute with an individual try to seal the win for Fiji as they were trailing 21-22.
Re:Live | That's how you win a cup final! Naduva takes flight to secure last gasp winner for @fijirugby at the #Singapore7s pic.twitter.com/Y8xhoTTKsg
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 29, 2018
Naduva showed his speed and great composer as he combined with Amenoni Nasilasila to score the last try.
Both teams scored two tries each in the first half with Player of the final and playmaker Waisea Nacuqu scoring two tries for Fiji to take an early 14-10 lead in the first half.
Change at the top! After 8 legs on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, here's how the table looks. @fijirugby are on top for the first time this year with just 4 points separating them and the 2017 series holders, @Blitzboks #HSBC7s #Singapore7s pic.twitter.com/2ijkTULeCT
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 29, 2018
Fiji started the second half well with a quick try to captain Jerry Tuwai extending the lead to 21-10 before Australia capitalised on Fiji’s mistakes to score two quick tries and take the lead 22-21.
Similar to the tough semifinal battle against South Africa, fans were once again treated to a classy finish with Fiji controlling possession in the dying minutes before Amenoni Nasilasila gave enough space to Naduva to showcase his speed to the tryline.
Fiji now leads the World Sevens Series overall points table with 145 points while South Africa has dropped to second place with 141 points.
Highlights: @fijirugby win their fourth #HSBC7s tournament of 2018 at the #Singapore7s pic.twitter.com/cx9d2djkJE
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 29, 2018
New Zealand still in third place with 120 points while Australia is in fourth place with 108 points.
Captain Jerry Tuwai says this win has boosted their campaign in the race for the series title.
This is also the fourth tournament win this season for Fiji with Hamilton, Vancouver, Hong Kong and now Singapore already in the bag.
Coach Gareth Baber says the important message now is for the players to keep their feet on the ground and continue to work hard.
Eroni Sau and Alasio Naduva made the Singapore 7s Dream Team.
Meanwhile, the pools for the London 7s have been confirmed.
Pool Draw: Your pools for the #HSBC7s in London, 2 - 3 June. pic.twitter.com/HmEhVSJHpy
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 29, 2018
The Fiji 7s team is in Pool A with New Zealand, Scotland and Argentina.
Australia, Spain, Wales and a 16th team which is yet to be confirmed are in Pool B.
Pool C includes England, Kenya, USA and France.
South Africa, Canada, Samoa and Russia are in Pool D.
The London 7s will be held on the 2nd and the 3rd of June
The London 7s on the 2nd and the 3rd of June while the final tournament will be held in Paris on the 9th and 10th of June.
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