Manu Samoa Sevens stormed into the Cup semifinals of the men’s HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in Dubai as the only unbeaten side in the men’s HSBC SVNS 3 tournament. The Dubai leg marks a crucial test in the SVNS 3 tournament and the future of Samoa's Sevens program.  

Samoa opened its campaign with a 26-7 win over Colombia, running in four tries through Uaina Tui Sione, Owen Niue, Taualai Panoa and Warren Solomona. Malakesi Masefau converted twice, while Ravuama Seruvakula and Niue added further points from the tee.

They followed with a 31-17 victory over Hong Kong China, crossing five times through Enosa Afemai Misitea, Seruvakula, Panoa, Masefau and Solomona. Seruvakula, Niue and Eletise Ese were accurate with the conversions.

Pool matches concluded with a commanding 34-12 win against Tonga. Niue led the charge with two early tries, while Ese, Tusitafu Toilolo and Solomona also dotted down. Toilolo and Niue added the conversions to seal the top spot in the pool and set up a Cup semifinal against Belgium at 9 p.m. Sunday, 18 January, Samoa time.

While the men celebrated an unbeaten run, the women’s side, Manusina Sevens, endured a challenging Pool B campaign. Samoa fell 45-0 to Argentina in their opener before a narrow 21-14 loss to Colombia. Tries from Araisa Fetaiai and Lutia Col Aumua kept Samoa in contention, with conversions from Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung and Siluando Lafai.

Manusina closed pool matches with a 31-5 defeat to Poland, their lone try coming from Pati Ah-Cheung in the 17th minute. Despite the results, Manusina will play for fifth place and face Thailand at 7 p.m. Samoa time.

SVNS 3 features an eight-team pool stage, with the top teams advancing to SVNS 2. From there, Samoa would need to finish among the top sides to reach the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series.

CEO of Lakapi Samoa, Seumanu Douglas, said the focus now shifts to Belgium.

"The winner advances to SVNS 2, and this is a massive opportunity for Manu Samoa 7s. Outstanding performances from the boys so far, with full credit to the Management for how the squad has been managed and conditioned across all three matches. Consistency will be key on Day 2, and I’m confident our Management and players will rise to the challenge and deliver," he said.

"Tough luck to our Manusina. It was always going to be a demanding task in a pool featuring Argentina, Poland, and Colombia. Valuable lessons have been taken from this campaign, and these will be important for our continued growth and future participation."