Olympic champions Fiji trump New Zealand 28-17 to claim HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens title, while Australia defeated Ireland 21-19 to clinch the bronze medal and remain in contention for the 2022 Series title
New Zealand fell 17-28 to Fiji in the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens Final. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
Singapore, 11 April 2022 - Olympic champions Fiji overcame New Zealand 28-17 in a pulsating Final at the National Stadium last night at the Singapore Sports Hub to claim the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens title.
Roars of applause filled the National Stadium as the final showdown of the night came to a close with Fiji emerging victorious.
The All Blacks recorded their best performance at a HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens, reaching the final but fell short at the final hurdle against Fiji. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
Making history with their third consecutive win in Singapore, the team’s fierce demeanour dissipated into gratitude as they embraced their opponents, ending the day with an emotional display of camaraderie between legends.
Day 2 of HSBC Singapore World Sevens was truly an event to remember for the enthusiastic fans who were kept at the edge of their seats as multiple plot twists leading up to the finals unfurled.
Argentina suffered a devastating loss against Australia early on, effectively eliminating them from the cup finals. Despite the determination exhibited by the team, the match ended with a massive differential of 29-5, crushing the team’s spirits.
Fiji defeated Australia 19-12 in the semi-final of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2022. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
The tables had flipped with Fiji completely taking over South Africa’s winning streak from the previous four rounds in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022. After the latter’s jaw-dropping loss to the USA on Saturday, the Series leaders lost again on Sunday to Fiji in the Cup quarter-finals followed by Argentina in the fifth place semi-final.
The event was also accompanied by a good dose of carnival activities such as face painting, bouncy castles and dancing booths. True to the spirit of sport events, fans dressed up in hilarious costumes such as Flintstones getups and spiderman suits. Unsuspecting fans put on their best air guitar and bongo performances on the big screen as well.
New Zealand edged out Ireland 22-19 in their semi-final at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
Highlights of the day included Japan’s first win of the Singapore bout in their face off with Scotland. Putting on a stellar performance against Scotland, Japan’s 26-21 lead marked a great comeback from their losses on Day 1.
Ireland displayed great urgency against New Zealand and pressured their opponent from the get go. Despite their best efforts, New Zealand won by a margin with a surprise try at the last minute that drove the crowd insane.
Displaying great finesse this series, Australia experienced their first loss in a tough face off with Fiji. The boys in green eventually took home the bronze medal with a tight match against Ireland, scoring a final try and leading 21-19 — a close shave.
Fiji versus 2019 champions Australia in the semi-finals of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
Fiji debutant, Vuiviawa Naduvalo, who scored a grand total of ten tries this weekend said: “I am so happy, it had taken a lot of sacrifice for me to get this far and that is why I was so emotional during our national anthem. This victory is for my family, they are my ‘why’, they drive me on and I want to make them proud.”
Silver medallists, New Zealand, express their pride for their five debutants this weekend. Captain Sam Dickson is looking forward to reclaiming their title at the Vancouver HSBC World Sevens bout next weekend.
Meanwhile, Australia took bronze after defeating Ireland 21-19 and remain in contention for the 2022 Series title.
Samoa vs USA on Day 2 of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
With that, HSBC Singapore World Sevens comes to a close this year. After a two-years long hiatus, this unforgettable weekend of world class rugby was definitely worth the wait.
South Africa remain Series leaders with 98 points after the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens, ahead of Australia and Argentina tied second on 83 points; as all 16 men’s teams move on to Vancouver for the HSBC Canada Sevens on 16-17 April.
The women’s Series returns to action in Langford, Canada on 30 April to 1 May.
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