The Fiji 7s women and men’s teams fought back in the second half, but could not close the gap on Australia and South Africa in their respective Commonwealth Games’ main finale this morning, settling for silver at the Coventry Stadium today.
The Fijiana lost 24-12 to Australia and the men, 31-7 to South Africa, who picked up their first and second Commonwealth Games 7s titles respectively.
For the Fijiana, the feat was also a historic one for the side, winning their first-ever Commonwealth 7s Silver Medal whilst the men’s team will wait it out for another four years to have a go again for their first Commonwealth 7s men’s Gold medal.
Double defending champion New Zealand, having won the women’s and men’s titles in 2018, finished with the bronze medal in both divisions this time around.
Team Fiji Chef De Mission Sale Sorovaki said the contingent was happy with the silver medals, although would have preferred the gold medals.
“I am sure they came in and tried to stake their claim at the medal, unfortunately, we came short in the two finals,” Sorovaki said.
He made special mention of the Fijiana 7s team, and the improvements they continue to make.
“They finished without a medal in 2018, and in the Olympics won the Bronze. Now with a silver. It is good to see them reach the finals of the Commonwealth Games. They are no longer the team that makes up the numbers, but a team that competes for the prizes that are at stake. It has been a good tournament, and we should look at the positives.”
it has been a good tournament. we should look at the positives.
Photo: Fiji Rugby
