The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team scored 19 points in the second half as they overcame a 17-5 half time deficit to beat South Africa 24-17 in style in the final of the Hamilton 7s last night.
It was a great performance from the national side as they overturned the disappointment in the Sydney 7s to win the inaugural Hamilton 7s.
Alosio Naduva scored three tries and was also given the Hamilton 7s Player of the Final award.
Josua Vakurunabili was yellow carded early on after deliberately knocking the ball on.
Kwagga Smith scored the first try for South Africa as they took the lead by 5-0.
Fiji hit straight back from the restart after Paula Dranisinukula made a brilliant break and his pass found Alosio Naduva who scored to level the scores at 5-all.
Trophy lift: Your HSBC #NZSevens winners are @fijirugby pic.twitter.com/jV2n1ic2FQ
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 4, 2018
South Africa scored their second try through Kyle Brown as they regained the lead by 10-5.
Branco du Preez extended the lead for South Africa with their third try as they led 17-5 at half-time.
Fiji started the started second half with a try from Alosio Naduva after he ran onto a great pass from Kalione Nasoko as Fiji reduced the points to 17-12.
Kalione Nasoko produced another brilliant pass for Naduva to score his third try with Vatemo Ravouvou converting Fiji led 19-17.
Bench reaction: That winning feeling! @fijirugby are your #NZSevens champions pic.twitter.com/zsgDKRoCkF
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 4, 2018
Eroni Sau sealed the win for Fiji with a trademark run to score Fiji’s last try.
While speaking to World Rugby after the win captain Jerry Tuwai says this win will lift the morale of the players.
🎥 interview: Jerry Tuwai of @fijirugby spoke to us after their incredible win in the Cup final of the #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/Z7XnjCKgDV
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 4, 2018
Coach Gareth Baber says he was proud of the way the team played.
He says this was a new side compared to last year.
Meanwhile, Australia won the Bronze final after beating New Zealand 8-7, Samoa finished fifth while USA won the Challenge Trophy.
