The boys in blue were unable to secure their place in the final after losing to Mike Friday Select 7s 19-14 at the Coral Coast 7s in Fiji on Saturday. It was a nail-biting match as the game went down to the wire. 

The match went into extra time as both teams were tied 14-14 at the final whistle. Unfortunately, it did not go the way the Manu Samoa wanted as Mike Friday Select secured their try and cemented their place in the final. 

Team Manager, Su'a Hesed Ieremia has told this newspaper that their focus will now shift on improving their performance and preparations for the Challenger's Series in March.

"Preparations now for the Challenger Series in South Africa. That's the next qualifier for the World Rugby HSBC Series," he said.

In a recent interview with the head coach before they flew out to Fiji for the Coral Coast 7s as the tournament serves as a preparation for his team. It is to see where his team can improve themselves before the Challenger's Series. 

The qualification to the World Rugby Sevens Challenger presents the Manu Samoa 7s and Manusina 7s with the opportunity to make it to the top competition. Manu Samoa 7s have to ensure that after the three tournaments, two in Cape Town, South Africa in March and one in Krakow, Poland in April, they are in the top four of the standings.

Manu Samoa is due to arrive back in Samoa at midnight Sunday (early Monday morning).

The Fiji Airways Fiji Mens 7s team successfully defended their McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s title in a thrilling final against Mike Friday Selects, winning 29-14 in front of a passionate crowd.

The star-studded opposition featured former international players, including South Africa’s Rosko Specman, Ireland’s Harry McNulty, Wales’ Luke Trehan, and Fiji’s two-time Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai, alongside members of Fiji’s extended squad.

The defending champions set the pace early, scoring four tries in the first half.

Filipe Sauturaga opened the scoring, followed by Joseva Talacolo, Pilipo Bukayaro, and Vuiviawa Naduvalo.

Fiji capitalized on Mike Friday Selects’ indiscipline, as the visitors suffered two yellow cards in the first half.

Despite trailing 22-0 at halftime, Mike Friday Selects mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the second half.

Fiji extended their lead with a fifth try from Terio Tamani before Mike Friday Selects answered back with tries from Iowane Teba and Chris Odinga.

However, another two yellow cards for the Mike Friday Selects hampered their momentum.