12 January, 2026, 4:52 am Central - 22°C Rain

Fiji creates history as we win back to back gold medal in the Olympics

Fiji creates history as we win back to back gold medal in the Olympics

By Naveel Krishant
28/07/2021
[Photo: FRU]

The Fiji Men’s 7s team has created history as we have won back to back gold medals in Olympics in rugby after beating New Zealand 27-12.

It was also a historic moment for Jerry Tuwai as he is the first 7s player to win two gold medals in rugby.

Fiji started the match by kicking possession early and after some ruthless defence Meli Derenalagi scored the first try for Fiji as we led 5-0.

Rookie Sireli Maqala who had an outstanding tournament scored our second try after New Zealand failed to ground the ball inside their own try line and with the conversion successful we led 12-0.

New Zealand’s Scott Curry got them back in the game with a try as he raced away from the Fijian defenders to score in the corner.

Another rookie, Jiuta Wainiqolo outpaced the New Zealand defence to get our third try as we led 19-5.

Sione Molia got New Zealand back into the game with a try just before the halftime as he broke through a couple of Fijian defenders.

Fiji led 19-12 at half time.

New Zealand had all the early possession in the second half but the Fijian defence was relentless.

Asaeli Tuivuaka who has made a name for himself with some big hits in this Olympics, scored the fourth try for Fiji after a number of phase plays as Fiji led 24-12.

Fiji converted a penalty to seal the 27-12 win and win back to back gold medals.

Updates

Kick off by Fiji

Fiji gives possession away by kicking the ball away

Meli Derenalagi gets Fiji’s first try after ruthless defence by Fiji.

Fiji 5 vs NZ 0

Second try for Fiji by Sireli Maqala after NZ loses possession inside their try line.

Fiji 12 vs NZ 0

Scott Curry gets NZ back into the game.

Fiji 12 vs NZ 5

Jiuta Wainiqolo outpaces the NZ defenders to get Fiji’s third try.

Fiji 19 vs NZ 5

Sione Molia breaks through the Fiji defence to get NZ’s second try.

Half time - Fiji 19 vs NZ 12

NZ restarts the second half

NZ having all the early possession

Fiji gives away a penalty at the breakdown

Fiji kicks away possession from a penalty and hands possession to NZ

Asaeli Tuivuaka strolls over for a try after a number of phase play.

Fiji 24 vs NZ 12.



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