Fiji 7s defend gold medal at Tokyo Olympics after beating New Zealand in final

Fiji 7s side have successfully defended their gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics after defeating New Zealand with a 27-12 margin in the final.

The Fijians got off to a terrific start as they raced to a 12-0 lead in the opening three minutes with Meli Derenalagi and Sireli Maqala crossing over while Napolioni Bolaca kicked a conversion.

Scott Curry with his fifth try in the tournament provided New Zealand a breakthrough but Fiji were the dominant side heading into the break as they scored their third touchdown through Jiuta Waniqolo as the opening half completed a with a 19-5 lead.

Even though Sione Molia with an early second half try reduced the gap to seven points, Fiji ensured there was no slip with further tries from Asaeli Tuivuaka and Waisea Nacuqu to secure their second successive men’s Olympic sevens gold medal.

Earlier, Fiji defeated Argentina 26-14 in the semi-final while New Zealand eased past Great Britain 29-7 to reach the final.

Meanwhile, Argentina edged out Great Britain 17-12 to finish third while South Africa sealed the fifth place with a 22-19 win over Australia, who had to settle for the seventh place. The sixth position in the competition was secured by the USA with a 21-14 victory over Canada.

??Congratulations??

OUR ??CHAMPIONS?????? #HowWeSevens #TokyoOlympics #rugby #Olympics #TosoViti pic.twitter.com/m3GSN5pLYk

— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) July 28, 2021