Fiji Wins The HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton Brief Feb 5 2018

Hamilton, New Zealand

Fiji beat current world rugby series champions South Africa in a gripping final in Hamilton, New Zealand to win their first tournament of the 2017/2018 season. The tournament was held on the 3 and 4th February.

The 23,000 seater stadium was filled to capacity as the crowd cheered on the two teams. At halftime, Fiji was down 17-5. But tries from Alosio Sovita Naduva and Eroni Sau helped secure the win.

Mr Gareth Baber, the Fiji head coach said that "The team's character, belief and their love of their country came through and we knew we had the ability to score from anywhere. We had to believe in that and we got momentum in the tackle and in the contact areas.”

Australia won the bronze final after beating New Zealand 8-7. The United States were the challenge trophy winners after defeating Argentina 31-12 in the final.

South Africa is still leading after four rounds in the World Rugby Sevens Series with 77 points. New Zealand is second with 69 points and Fiji is third with 62 points while Australia comes fourth with 60 points.