South Africa’s Blitzbok lifted their second trophy of the 2025-26 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series after a thrilling 21-19 victory against Fiji in the Cup Final at HBF Park, Perth.
Following a strong showing in Cape Town in December, the Blitzboks made amends for last week’s Singapore disappointment.
Their triumph was particularly satisfying after a 20-14 pool-stage loss to Fiji on the opening day.
The South Africans took control early, capitalizing on a Fijian mistake.
South Africa score first
Tristan Leyds grabbed a loose ball and sprinted down the left flank before linking with Ryan Oosthuizen, who finished the move under the posts for the first converted try of the match.
Moments later, Sebastiaan Jobb seized another turnover and raced through the defense to score, extending South Africa’s lead to 14-0.
Fiji fought back, with Viwa Naduvalo touching down before the half, and Jeremaia Matana adding a try just after the break. Terio Veilawa converted to reduce the deficit to 14-12.
Oosthuizen then produced a stunning solo effort, beating four defenders to cross the line and bring the game to 19-19.
Dewald Human calmly slotted the conversion to give the Blitzboks a two-point advantage with four minutes remaining.
South Africa’s defence held strong in the closing stages, repelling Fiji’s attempts and securing their first Sevens tournament win in Australia since 2017.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
Australia finished third after edging New Zealand 12-10 in the bronze-medal playoff while Argentina claimed fifth place with a hard-fought 24-19 win over Spain.
France ended the tournament in seventh after defeating Great Britain 24-17 in the seventh-place playoff.
Australia Win First Perth 7s Title
In the women’s competition, New Zealand’s Black Ferns Sevens claimed their first Perth crown with a commanding 29-7 win over Australia.
Kelsey Teneti was instrumental, earning Player of the Final honours as the team secured only their second victory over the Wallaroos on Australian soil.
Australia opened the scoring through Heidi Dennis, but New Zealand responded in the fifth minute.
Miller charged down the right wing, fended off Tia Hinds, and released Risi Pouri-Lane to set up Teneti for the try.
Teneti added another just before halftime, evading Teagan Levi and Faith Nathan tackles to give New Zealand a slim lead at the break.
Despite a mis-kick early in the second half, the Black Ferns dominated, scoring three unanswered tries.
Teneti completed her double, Katelyn Vahaakolo added another, and Alena Saili finished the match with a final try to seal a dominant performance.
France finish third at Perth 7s
France took third place with a 21-14 win over the USA. Anaick Konyi, Marie Dupouy, and Hawa Tounkara crossed for the French, while Cassidy Bargell and Sammy Sullivan scored for the Americans.
France secured third place in the women’s draw with a 21-14 victory over the USA
Canada finished fifth after a convincing 36-5 win over Japan while Fiji rounded off the top seven with a strong performance in the seventh-place playoff.
Perth 7s results
Sunday 8 February 2026
HBF Park, Perth | Boorloo
5th Place Semifinals
Women: Japan 7s 29-7 Great Britain 7s
Women: Canada 7s 26-19 Fiji 7s
Men: Spain 7s 28-19 Great Britain 7s
Men: France 7s 12-47 Argentina 7s
Cup Semifinals
Women: New Zealand 7s 34-14 France 7s
Women: Australia 7s 26-5 USA 7s
Men: Fiji 7s 35-0 New Zealand 7s
Men: Australia 7s 12-28 South Africa 7s
Placement Matches
Women 7th Place Play-Off
Great Britain 7s 5-41 Fiji 7s
Men 7th Place Play-Off
Great Britain 7s 17- 24 France 7s
Women 5th Place Play-Off
Japan 7s 5-36 Canada 7s
Men 5th Place Play-Off
Spain 7s 19-24 Argentina 7s
Women 3rd Place Play-Off
France 7s 21-14 USA 7s
Men 3rd Place Play-Off
New Zealand 7s 10-12 Australia 7s
Finals
Women Cup Final
New Zealand 7s 29-7 Australia 7s
Men Cup Final
Fiji 7s 19-21 South Africa 7s
