Fiji Crowned New Zealand Sevens Champions

January 27, 2019
1839
Ultimate Rugby

Fiji has won the New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton beating USA in the Final.

In front of a full house at FMG Stadium, Fiji was unstoppable and retained its New Zealand Sevens crown to move joint top of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Ain't no feeling like that winning feeling. @fijirugby lift the #NZSevens title in Hamilton for the second consecutive year pic.twitter.com/gFRrReuWB0
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019

Fiji has now also won two of the first three tournaments of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Fiji playmaker Jerry Tui was named HSBC Player of the Final after directing his side's comprehensive 38-0 victory.

The USA was a gallant loser and finished runner-up for the third consecutive tournament to hold on to a share of top spot in the series standings. Losing semi-finalists New Zealand and South Africa remain third and fourth respectively.

Fiji Head coach Gareth Baber said: "It was obviously very special [to go back-to-back] and I want to say a big thank you to all the Fijian fans. They certainly lifted the team today and we appreciate everything you've done for us."

The side were also awarded the UL Mark of Excellence Award for the act of sportsmanship ahead of the match as they lifted the ball girl high into the air while they said their final prayer.

New Zealand made sure that it finished its home campaign on a winning note with a 29-7 victory over South Africa in the bronze final.

A battle of wills played out between the two before New Zealand, much to the delight of their home fans, created a 19-7 cushion via tries either side of half-time. Werner Kok's sin-bin for a late tackle on Andrew Knewstubb was then punished by the All Blacks Sevens. The home side's determination shone through as they sent Joe Ravouvou over in the corner before Sam Dickson finished their scoring.

Scotland finished fifth beating Tonga 24-19 while England won the Challenge Trophy after beating Kenya 36-7. In the process England's James Rodwell eclipsed Kiwi DJ Forbes' record for the most appearances ever on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. It was Rodwell's 90th tournament and he capped the landmark with a try.

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series moves onto Sydney next weekend (February 1-3) where full men's and women's tournaments will take place.