Fiji has won the Sydney 7s for the first time ever, defeating old rivals South Africa in a thrilling match last night.
Both teams were out for redemption having not progressed past the pool stages last week.
It was a tough and fair encounter with both teams struggling to maintain possession of the ball in the wet conditions in Parramatta.
In the end the Fiji warriors managed to shrug off a dangerous green and gold Blitzbokke side who were always threatening to steal the win away from the Fijians.
Fiji won with 12 points to 10 with Napolioni Bolaca named as the HSBC Sydney 7s player of the final.
The win capped a better day for Pacific gladiators at the tournament.
The Fijianas were in absolute phenomenal form yesterday morning to beat newcomers to the sport, Brazil, by a whopping 31 – 0.
They then met England for the fifth place play-off.
The Fijianas proved to be worthy opponents, beating England by 17 points to 5. It was the second time in two weeks the English women had suffered defeat at the hands of the Fijianas.
The Fijianas have moved from 9th to 7th position overall in the series, and are looking very promising.
Back in the men’s competition, Samoa lost their last pool match against South Africa (36 – 0) but was able to snatch a win in the tournament against Kenya, and 15th place in the tournament.
Earlier on the way to the final , Fiji flattened a strong Welsh side with a 55 – 0 victory. Waisea Nacuqu was the key player for his side in that game.
They then beat the determined English side in the semi-finals 17 – 14 to secure their first Cup final appearance in the 2020 HSBC 7s series.
“To all the supporters who came out in numbers to support us, this win is for you too, ” Fiji captain Meli Derenalagi told the crowd.
New Zealand took home the women’s title beating Canada 33 – 7. The Black Ferns have won 4 titles in row this season.
The next leg of the HSBC 7s series will be held in Los Angeles, USA from the 29th February – 1st March.
Fiji is now ranked at 5th overall in the series with 53 points and Samoa is in 13th spot with 23 points.
New Zealand still lead the ladder with 76 points.