The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team successfully defended their title in the 2019 Hamilton 7s in a strong finish defeating USA 38-0.
Fiji is now on top of the HSBC World Sevens Series Standings alongside USA with 57 points.
It's all square at the top of the #HSBC7s standings.
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019
🇫🇯@fijirugby - 57
🇺🇸@USARugby - 57
🇳🇿@AllBlacks7s - 54
🇿🇦@Blitzboks -44
🏴@EnglandRugby - 38 pic.twitter.com/TtLyFEHI8B
Fiji absolutely dominated in attack and defence denying USA their first win in New Zealand.
Captain Kalione Nasoko created a brilliant offload in the second minute of the game which allowed Jerry Tuwai to score Fiji’s first try.
THIS. Is how rugby sevens should be played. Different level of skill from Fiji. #DHLRugby pic.twitter.com/mZCp2EFKO8
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019
Fiji continued applying pressure to USA which saw Kalione Nasoko creating some distraction before an offload to Waisea Nacuqu who scored Fiji’s second try to extend their lead 10-0.
Jerry Tuwai then ripped the ball away from USA allowing Aminiasi Tuimaba to score his 8th try in Hamilton.
The #NZSevens final in a photo. pic.twitter.com/FYz4VgAuAF
— HSBC Sport (@HSBC_Sport) January 27, 2019
Fiji led 17-0 at halftime.
Fiji kept the pressure going into the second half with dazzling foot work and brilliant passing skills by Jerry Tuwai which resulted in Alosio Naduva another try from a penalty.
Fiji regained possession at the restart and continued applying more pressure to USA who managed to drive Fiji back to their own 22 however, Tuwai fought for possession at the breakdown where he grabbed a loose ball to run the whole field for another try.
In front of a sea of Fiji fans, Jerry Tuwai runs it in. pic.twitter.com/pYijxLAlTG
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019
Captain Kalione Nasoko dedicated the win to all their supporters.
Jerry Tuwai who played exceptionally well in the final was awarded the 2019 Hamilton Player of the Final.
The @HSBC_Sport Player of the Final is the Fijian magician, Jerry Tuwai #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/ERLC5bvBgl
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019
Vilimoni Botitu was awarded the DHL Impact Player in Hamilton.
CUP FINAL 🏆#Hamilton7s
— Fiji 7s Team (@Fiji7sTeam) January 27, 2019
7.10pm Fiji 🇫🇯 v USA 🇺🇸
Bring it home boys! 🇫🇯 #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/JnRbyBbUqa
Coach Gareth Baber says winning back to back in Hamilton is not an easy task and he thanked the team and the Fijian supporters.
The UL Mark of Excellence Award goes to Fiji, after they showed true values of the game during the #NZSevens final @ULdialogue #EmpoweringTrust pic.twitter.com/L6SiYkrNi5
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019
Baber also spoke about why the team lifted the ball-girl before the start of the final.
"Humanity is a big part of our values, we talk as a team, anybody is part of our family. A ball girl coming in there is much as likely to be on this rugby field as anybody else”
— Fiji 7s Team (@Fiji7sTeam) January 27, 2019
- Coach Gareth Baber
A very special lesson on life. 🇫🇯 pic.twitter.com/sGUNXPEOA7
Something truly unique to rugby sevens. @HSBC_Sport ball carrier gets lifted high by Fiji! pic.twitter.com/PCXumvthxk
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019
Meanwhile, families who filled out the FMG Stadium in Hamilton and across the country in Fiji were in jubilant celebration after Fiji’s back to back win.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was also celebrating Fiji’s win saying "This team is just awesome...just look at that scoreline" as he cheered on the team with his family.
No better way to spend a family Sunday than by celebrating our 2019 Hamilton Champions. Vinaka boys –– you brought great pride to every Fijian tonight #TosoFiji #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/w0G0NmkFoB
— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) January 27, 2019
In other results, New Zealand settled for bronze after defeating South Africa 29-7, while Scotland finished fifth after defeating Samoa 24-19.
The Hamilton FMG Stadium was a sea off blue with Fijian supporters in numbers to cheer for the team.
Celebrating with the supporters | @fijirugby pic.twitter.com/4uPth7XAVO
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019
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