Fiji 7s crowned World Series and Paris 7s champions

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A double celebration for Fijians as the Fiji Airways 7s side was crowned the World Series and Paris 7s champions.

Fiji were confirmed the series champions after outclassing USA 33-14 in the Cup semifinal this morning before beating New Zealand 35-24 in the Paris 7s final.

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This is also the first time Fiji has won back to back title in a leg. It is Fiji’s fourth World Series title and their third in four years. Fiji have 186 points after the final this morning followed by USA in second with 177, New Zealand finished third with 162 points and South Africa fourth with 148.

Captain Paula Dranisinukula says his message to the team today was simple. Dranisinukula adds the team have worked tirelessly throughout the season. Fiji defeated New Zealand 35-24 in the final without key players Waisea Nacuqu and Apenisa Cakabalavu who were injured.

Isoa Tabu the 13th player came in as a replacement while halfback Napolioni Ratu was given a starting role in the final. Ratu was named the player of the final after scoring two tries. Coach Gareth Baber was also given the Mark of Excellence award in Paris.

Fiji scored five tries in the final with a double to Ratu while Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Jerry Tuwai had a try each. Baber says the team and the coaching staff’s hard work has paid off after they fell short in Paris last year. Vilimoni Botitu is the only player named in the Paris Sevens Dream Team after topping the stats chart.

Four Fijian have been named in the 2018/2019 World Sevens Series Dream Team which includes Jerry Tuwai, Meli Derenalagi, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Vilimoni Botitu.

Botitu, Tuimaba and Derenalagi were also nominated for the Rookie of the Year award. Derenalagi scooped the award. The team is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday.

Source: FBC

Featured image: THE FIJI 7S TEAM AFTER WINNING THE WORLD SEVENS SERIES TITLE [SOURCE: FIJIAN GOVERNMENT]

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