Hong Kong Sevens: Fiji win again to close gap to South Africa
Ben Ryan's men move second in HSBC Sevens World Series with 33-19 win over reigning champions New Zealand
Fiji moved into second place in the HSBC Sevens World Series after a stunning 33-19 win over rivals New Zealand in the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens cup final.
Two tries from Savenaca Rawaca and one from Jerry Tuwai gave Fiji a 21-0 lead before Beaudine Waaka got one back for New Zealand at the end of the first half.
Outstanding performance by the team, they controlled the game really well tactically.Our bench were magnificent. We’ve spent a lot of time of defence, and it’s starting to pay dividends.
Fiji Sevens head coach Ben Ryan on Hong Kong glory
Scott Curry also went over for the reigning champions to make the score 21-12, but Jasa Veremalua had an instant reply for Fiji.
A second try for Curry gave the All Blacks Sevens a chance of still getting a result, but Fiji’s Apisai Domolailai’s try with less than a minute to go ensured a second cup victory for Ben Ryan’s men in as many rounds of the world series.
The win takes Fiji up to 108 points in the race to claim the world series, just two points behind South Africa, and one point ahead of third-placed New Zealand with three rounds still to go in Tokyo, Glasgow and London.
Earlier, South Africa defeated Samoa 26-5 in the third-place to hang on to their lead in the standings.
“This victory is certainly up there,” said Ben Ryan after the win.
“Outstanding performance by the team, they controlled the game really well tactically.
“Our bench were magnificent. We’ve spent a lot of time of defence, and it’s starting to pay dividends.”
Australia defeated the USA 21-17 to take away their second plate in as many rounds, which keeps them in fourth place in the world series standings ahead of England.
Breakaway tries from Andrew Durutalo and speedster Perry Baker gave the Eagles a 12-7 lead at the break, cancelling out Allan Fa’alava’au’s early unopposed run to the line for Australia.
But tries for Shannon Walker and Cameron Clark helped turn around the scoreboard for Geraint John’s side, who remain confident of holding off England’s challenge to secure qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Scotland maintained their impressive season with a 26-5 win to retain the bowl against France.
James Johnstone got Callum MacRae’s men on the board, before Virimi Vakataw scored France’s only score.
But two second-half tries for Colin Gregor and a second try for Johnstone sealed the win that keeps the Scots eighth in the series.
Kenya won the shield with an impressive four-try 26-7 win over Japan.
Collins Injera became the all-time leading try scorer in Hong Kong with his 26th score with Katsuyuki Sakai scoring for Japan.
A brace from Billy Odhiambo and a late score from Leonard Mugaisi gave the Africans a comfortable win.
Russia defeated Zimbabwe 22-19 to win the World Rugby Sevens Series qualifier to become one of the 15 core nations in next year’s HSBC Sevens World Series.
Vladimir Ostroushko scored the decisive try on the siren to give Andrey Sorokin’s men a narrow win after Zimbabwe looked to have done enough to qualify through Kuda Chiwanza’s score.
“It means a lot to us,” said Russian captain Dmitriy Perov.
“It allows our players to play more valuable games and gain experience and the win will be a motivation for the younger players too.
“Also a win like this will attract the fans and those involved with our sport, showing them we can win competitions and get to the World Series.”
