HSBC Sevens World Series
Fiji win Hong Kong Sevens
ESPN Staff
March 30, 2015
Fiji celebrate their Hong Kong Sevens title © Getty Images
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Fiji have won the 40th Hong Kong Sevens, defeating reigning champions New Zealand 33-19 in the Cup final after claiming a 21-0 lead in the first half. Fiji have now won the title 15 times.

Savenaca Rawaca scored tries either side of a score from Jerry Tuwai for Fiji before Beaudine Waaka touched down in the corner on half-time for the All Blacks Sevens. Sherwin Stowers put Scott Curry through to score next to the posts to reduce the margin further to 21-12 but Jasa Veremalua responded immediately for Fiji. Curry then scored his second try after good work from Sam Dickson, but Apisai Domolailai put the result beyond doubt with less than a minute to play.

"This victory is certainly up there," Fiji coach Ben Ryan said. "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."

South Africa, previously, defeated Samoa 26-5 in the play-off for third place, picking up 17 valuable points to maintain their place at the top of the overall series standings.

The Blitzbokke now lead the HSBS Sevens World Series rankings with 110 points, with Fiji two points behind and New Zealand a point further back. Australia retained the vital fourth automatic qualifying berth for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, moving to 84 points, six clear of England after defeating Simon Archer's team in the Plate semi-finals and the United States in the Plate final.

Australia defeated the USA 21-17 to claim their second consecutive Plate final, after Las Vegas, with tries from Allan Fa'alava'au, Shannon Walker and Cameron Clark. Andrew Durutalo, Perry Baker and Madison Hughes crossed for the Eagles.

Australia coach Geraint said his team was outstanding defensively through the tournament.

"We showed a great attitude against some physically tough sides. Our only defeats came against sides in the top three but when I look back at the weekend I do so with mixed emotions. I can't fault the hunger and togetherness of the squad, but I feel we just need to be a bit smarter in those tight moments. We travel to Tokyo tomorrow and the next 48 hours are crucial for us. The games these days are so physical and we need to ensure we recover properly. We'll have our medicals in the morning and then I'll make a call on who will be in the squad for next weekend."

Scotland won the Bowl final, defeating France 26-5, through two tries apiece from James Johnstone and Colin Gregor, while Kenya defeated Japan 26-7 in the Shield final.

The World Series now moves to Japan, where New Zealand and Australia have been drawn in the same pool alongside Scotland and Portugal.

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