Fiji defends Hong Kong title

The Vodafone Fiji 7s team successfully defended the Hong Kong 7s title after defeating New Zealand 21‑7 in the Cup Final last night.

Fiji’s tries were scored by nippy halfback Jerry Tuwai, rover Kitione Taliga and Player of the Tournament “The Beast” Semi Kunatani.

New Zealand was leading 7-0 in the first half after a try through Peter Ahki.

Jerry Tuwai scored Fiji’s first try after we got a penalty just meters from the NZ try line. 

He took a quick tap and dived under the posts.

Fiji’s second try was scored by Kitione Taliga after a break from Kunatani which got Fiji good field position.

The ball was then worked wide to Taliga who cruised over for the second try.

With 3 minutes left, Pio Tuwai contested the ruck and turned over possession which allowed Fiji to break from their own 22.

An offload from Amenoni Nasilasila then allowed Semi Kunatani to score the final try of the match.

Captain Osea Kolinisau says they kept on believing after the quarterfinals against Kenya.

It was also a special moment for Ben Ryan as the players called him up to the grandstand to receive the Hong Kong 7s trophy with the team.

Fiji extend their lead in the HSBC World 7s Series standings with 128 points, New Zealand is now in second place with 123 points, South Africa drops to third place with 122 points while Australia is in fourth place with 105 points.

Cheering and fireworks started in many areas of Fiji as our team won against New Zealand in style.

This continued until after midnight.

Liam Messam came into changing room after game to say thanks & Sonny was incredibly gracious - that's just quality pic.twitter.com/C6TzlPGeNs

— Ben Ryan Fiji 7s (@benjaminryan) April 10, 2016

Ben Ryan and the team will now head to Singapore for the inaugural Singapore 7s which will be held this Saturday and Sunday.

Fiji takes Samoa on at 4.12pm Saturday in their first pool match.

We then take on Portugal at 7.33pm Saturday.

Our last pool match is against England at 11.26pm Saturday.

New Zealand will play USA, France and Canada in Pool B.

South Africa will play Kenya, Scotland, and Russia in Pool C while Australia will face Wales, Argentina and Japan in Pool D.

The Cup quarterfinals kick off at 3.58pm Sunday, the Cup semis start at 8.28pm Sunday while the Cup Final kicks off at 11.38pm Sunday.  

Fiji’s Hong Kong 7s Highlights