Fiji 7s team beats Samoa to win Gold Coast 7s

The Vodafone Fiji 7s team clung on to beat Samoa 31-24 in an emphatic final to win the Gold Coast Sevens title and take an early lead in the race for Olympic qualification.

Veteran Setefano Cakau scored two of Fiji’s five tries while Apisai Domolailai and Semi Kunatani dotting down in the first half which saw Fiji take a 26-7 lead. 

Samoa’s Fautua Otto scored just before half time as they came back strongly in the first half to score three unanswered tries to narrow the gap to just two points with four minutes to go.

However, Jasa Veremalua came back to score the final try for Fiji to win the 2014 Gold Cup Sevens Cup.

Captain and Player of the Tournament, Osea Kolinisau said the win is important for all Fijians.

Despite the brave fight back from Samoa, Kolinisau said the Vodafone Fiji team continued their fight to win the tournament for their fans.

Meanwhile Vodafone Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan who was lost for words after the final commended Samoa for their effort.

Ryan hopes that their form continues throughout the whole season.

Fiji defeated Wales 31-10 in the quarterfinals and thrashed England 48-7 in the semifinal.

Another player who proved to Fiji that he deserves to wear the jersey is former Newtown Rugby Club player, Jerry Tuwai.

Being brought up his father who is a diver and his mother who had to work as a house girl to support his two brothers and sisters, Tuwai said he never lost hope and was always encouraged by his parents to keep on pushing for a spot in the national side.

The 24 year old from Buca, Cakaudrove was also named in the Gold Coast 7's Dream Team with Semi Kunatani and captain Osea Kolinisau last night.

The Vodafone Fiji 7s team now leads the IRB World Series standings with 22 points followed by Samoa with 19 points, England lies in third with 17 points while South in fourth place with 15 points.

Defending champion, New Zealand which was knocked out in the Cup quarterfinal by England, is in fifth place with 13 points.