Fiji Men End Kenyan Dreams with Second Consecutive Singapore Title

Fiji Men End Kenyan Dreams with Second Consecutive Singapore Title

Fiji's dominance continues as they secure back-to-back Singapore Sevens titles with a thrilling victory over Kenya in the championship final.

In a spectacular display of rugby sevens excellence, Fiji has once again proven why they are the undisputed kings of the format, claiming their second consecutive Singapore Sevens title with a commanding 28-17 victory over Kenya.


The Championship Final


The National Stadium erupted as over 55,000 fans witnessed a masterclass in attacking rugby. Fiji, true to their reputation, delivered a performance that combined breathtaking speed, sublime skills, and clinical finishing.


First Half Dominance


Fiji exploded out of the blocks, with captain Jerry Tuwai orchestrating the opening try within the first minute. His trademark sidestep left three Kenyan defenders grasping at thin air before he offloaded to Waisea Nacuqu, who dotted down under the posts.


Key Moments:

1st minute: Waisea Nacuqu try (Conversion: Successful) - Fiji 7-0
4th minute: Meli Derenalagi powers over from close range - Fiji 14-0
6th minute: Kenya strikes back through Nelson Oyoo - Fiji 14-7
Half-time: Fiji 14-7

Second Half Brilliance


The second half showcased everything that makes Fiji special. Their ability to create something from nothing was on full display as they repeatedly carved through Kenya's defense with seemingly impossible angles and offloads.


Second Half Action:

9th minute: Tevita Daugunu intercepts and races 60 meters - Fiji 21-7
11th minute: Kenya's Collins Injera shows his pace with a length-of-field try - Fiji 21-14
13th minute: Fiji seals it! Nacuqu completes his brace with a stunning solo effort - Fiji 28-14
14th minute: Kenya's late consolation try - Final Score: Fiji 28-17

Star Performers


Waisea Nacuqu (Fiji)

The tournament MVP was simply unstoppable throughout the weekend. His two-try performance in the final capped off a remarkable tournament where he scored 9 tries across 6 matches.


Tournament Stats:

  • 9 tries scored
  • 12 defenders beaten
  • 450+ meters gained
  • 3 assists

  • Jerry Tuwai (Fiji)

    The captain led from the front with his vision, distribution, and work rate. At 35 years old, he continues to defy Father Time with performances that would make players half his age envious.


    Tournament Impact:

  • 8 try assists
  • 95% pass completion rate
  • Captaincy excellence
  • Defensive reads

  • Nelson Oyoo (Kenya)

    Kenya's shining light throughout the tournament. His pace and power troubled every defense he faced, and his try in the final showed immense courage.


    Kenya's Remarkable Journey


    While Kenya fell short in the final, their journey to the championship match was nothing short of sensational. The African side defeated several traditional powerhouses along the way:


    Pool Stage Excellence

  • **Defeated Australia** 21-19 in a thriller
  • **Beat Argentina** 24-17 with clinical execution
  • **Topped their pool** with attacking flair

  • Knockout Brilliance

    Quarter-final: Stunned South Africa 26-21
    Semi-final: Edged New Zealand 19-17 in dramatic fashion

    "We came here with belief," said Kenya captain Andrew Amonde. "Making the final is special for Kenyan rugby and African rugby. Fiji were too good today, but we'll be back stronger."


    Tournament Highlights


    Pool Stage Drama

    The tournament featured several upset results that set the tone for an unpredictable weekend:

  • Kenya over Australia
  • Argentina defeated France
  • USA pushed Fiji to the wire in a 24-21 thriller

  • Individual Brilliance

    The tournament showcased some of the best individual performances of the season:

    Most Tries: Waisea Nacuqu (Fiji) - 9
    Most Points: Nacuqu (Fiji) - 45
    Most Conversions: Jerry Tuwai (Fiji) - 8
    Best Defender: Andrew Amonde (Kenya) - 24 tackles

    Fiji's Continued Dominance


    This victory extends Fiji's incredible record in Singapore:

  • **5 titles** in the last 7 years
  • **88% win rate** at the venue
  • **Unbeaten in finals** in Singapore (5-0)

  • "Singapore brings out the best in us," said Fiji coach Ben Gollings. "The crowd, the atmosphere, the stadium - everything about this tournament is special. The boys delivered when it mattered most."


    Women's Competition


    New Zealand's Black Ferns Sevens also claimed gold, defeating Australia 26-12 in the women's final. Captain Sarah Hirini led by example with two tries as the defending champions maintained their dominance.


    Women's Final Standings:

    1. New Zealand

    2. Australia

    3. France

    4. USA


    Impact on World Series Standings


    Fiji's victory propels them to the top of the world series standings with three events remaining. They now lead New Zealand by 4 points in the race for the series championship.


    Current Top 5:

    1. Fiji - 112 points

    2. New Zealand - 108 points

    3. Argentina - 95 points

    4. South Africa - 88 points

    5. Australia - 86 points


    Looking Ahead


    The world series now moves to Hong Kong for round 5, where teams will look to build momentum heading into the business end of the season.


    For Singapore, planning is already underway for Singapore Sevens 2026, with organizers promising even more entertainment and improvements to fan experience.


    Secure your tickets for next year's tournament and witness world-class rugby sevens action live! Want to stay updated? Register your interest for priority access to tickets and exclusive updates.


    Fan Reactions


    The sold-out crowd of 55,000 created an electric atmosphere throughout the weekend:


    "This is why we come to Singapore every year," said Australian tourist Mark Thompson. "The rugby is world-class, but the whole experience - the food, the entertainment, the crowd - it's unbeatable."


    Broadcast Success


    The tournament was broadcast to over 180 countries, with an estimated global audience of 25 million viewers tuning in across the weekend.


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