Pacific / Fiji

Sport: Pacific 7s sides struggle in Sydney

13:04 pm on 29 January 2018

Pacific teams had a weekend to forget at the Sydney Sevens, as Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea combined for just eight wins in 26 matches.

The Fiji men beat New Zealand and Samoa to top their pool before a heavy 24-7 defeat to the USA in the Cup quarter finals and 31-7 loss against the All Blacks Sevens in the playoff for fifth place.

The Olympic champions have now slipped to fifth in the men's series standings after three rounds, behind Sydney champions Australia and Argentina.

Fiji were beaten by USA in the Cup quarter finals. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

Samoa slipped to 11th overall after failing to make the Cup rounds.

The Manu were beaten 17-12 by Wales in the Challenge semis, while Papua New Guinea recorded a last gasp win over Spain in pool play but ended equal with the European side in a share of 15th place.

England's Holly Aitchison fends off the Fiji defense at the Sydney 7s. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

In the women's competition both Fiji and PNG failed to win a match in the pool stage.

The Fijiana beat Japan in the Challenge semis before being outclassed 29-10 by England, while PNG were thrashed 41-5 by Japan in the 11th place playoff.

The PNG Palais failed to win a game at the Sydney 7s, won by hosts Australia. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

The men's World Series moves onto Hamilton, New Zealand this weekend.

Fiji are in Pool A with Australia, Wales and Spain, Papua New Guinea join South Africa, England and Russia in Pool B while Samoa have been drawn alongside USA, Kenya and Canada in Pool D.