Heartbreak for Fiji as NZ ends 9 year drought to win HK 7s title

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team were edged 24-17 by New Zealand in the cup final of the Hong Kong 7s.

The win in Hong Kong ends a nine-year drought for New Zealand, as the last time they won the title was in 2014.

New Zealand scored four tries in the first half to lead 24-7 at half time.

They looked dangerous on attack right from the opening whistle and were brutal at the breakdowns.

Joseva Talacolo scored a double in the second half as Fiji began to mount a comeback, however the All-Blacks sevens were able to hold up against Fiji until the final whistle.

It was concerning to note that the referee decided to blow the full-time whistle before it was officially full time on the clock.

At the end of the tournament, New Zealand leads the men’s series standings with 142 points, Argentina is in second place with 121 points and Fiji is third with 113 points.

In the women’s competition, New Zealand leads with 118 points, Australia is second with 102 points, and USA is third with 90 points.