Fiji wins Hong Kong 7s title after thumping South Africa

Fiji wins Hong Kong 7s title after thumping South Africa

By Vijay Narayan and Rusiate Baleilevuka
10/04/2017
Fiji 7s team after winning the Hong Kong 7s title (Photo: World Rugby)

It’s three in a row in style.

The Vodafone Fiji 7s team successfully defended the Hong Kong 7s title after thumping series leaders South Africa 22 0 in the cup final last night.

Man of the Match in the final Kalione Nasoko showed his brilliance scoring two outstanding tries.

Fiji’s first try was scored by Sevuloni Mocenacagi which started from a break by captain Osea Kolinisau.

Lanky forward Mesulame Kunavula scored Fiji’s second try as they produced a different class of hard-hitting defence, offloads and support play.

The national side continued to pounce on South Africa’s defensive line that stopped the Blitzboks from winning their first Hong Kong 7s.

Isake Katonibau made a big difference and led the team with aggressive tackles. 

He was also vocal throughout the final to encourage the younger players.

Captain Osea Kolinisau says Hong Kong is always special to every Fijian player.

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Kolinsau also shared what he told Cecil Africa after the final.

Africa who was seen as the main distributer for South Africa was cut off with hard hits and failed to function against a well-disciplined Fijian side.

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Man of the Match Kalione Nasoko says he was honored to play in Hong Kong.

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Coach Gareth Baber who executed the perfect plan in the Hong Kong 7s says the win was special for him.

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Baber has delivered the major win after just coaching in 5 tournaments. 

Under his leadership, Fiji finished 2nd in the Wellington 7s, won 5th place in Sydney, finished in 2nd place again in Las Vegas and settled for the bronze medal in Vancouver.

As earlier highlighted by Fijivillage, he has finally got the right mix of players after assessing players after the four tournaments before the Hong Kong 7s.

Fiji now sits at second place in the World Sevens Series with 122 points.

South Africa maintains their lead with 154 points while England are currently in third place with 113 points.

The Pools for Singapore 7s this weekend has been confirmed and Fiji is pooled with Canada, Russia and Hong Kong in Pool A.

South Africa is in pool B with England, France and Japan.

Australia is in pool C with Argentina, Kenya and Samoa while Pool D includes USA, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales.

The Singapore 7s will be played this weekend.

Fiji will play Hong Kong in their first pool match at 4.52pm Saturday, their second game is against Russia at 7.50pm and their final pool match against Canada at 12.06am Sunday.

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