Fiji retain Hamilton 7s to go top of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series
Fiji players celebrate the Challenge Trophy Final win over USA on day two of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Hamilton
©KLC Fotos for World Rugby
Fiji 7s 38-0 USA 7s, Hamilton
Jerry Tuwai and Alosio Sovita Naduva scored doubles as Fiji went on to blank USA 38-0 in the final to win the Hamilton leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
This is the second time the Pacific side has won the Hamilton 7s title after previously clinching them in the last season when they defeated South Africa in the final and as a result they now move to the top of the overall standings pipping the finalist USA.
Fiji looked positive from the outset with HSBC Player of the Final Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu and Aminiasi Tuimaba scoring first half tries while Vilimoni Botitu kicked the solitary conversion to take them to 17-0 by half time.
Naduva, who came in the second half straightaway made an impact in the second half with back to back tries in the 10th and 14th minutes that was separated by a second from Tuwai in the 13th minute. Nacuqu added a solitary conversion while replacement Terio Veilawa slotted the other two extras to complete a 38-0 victory for Fiji and their second title this season.
Head coach Gareth Baber said: "It was obviously very special [to go back-to-back] and I want to say a big thank you to all the Fijian fans. They certainly lifted the team today and we appreciate everything you've done for us."
Earlier, Fiji defeated Canada and South Africa on their road to final while USA outplayed Scotland and host New Zealand in the play-offs. New Zealand though managed to claim the Bronze when they defeated South Africa 29-7 while England defeated Kenya 36-7 to win the Challenge Final.
Overall Standings:
With Fiji winning their second consecutive title this season they have moved to the top of table with 57 points while USA are also with 57 points after finishing runners up in all the three leagues. New Zealand take the third position with 54 points before the gap widens with South Africa at fourth with 44 points and England at fifth with 38 points.
