Updated: 10:32am – The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team scored 19 points in the second half as they overcame a 17-5 half time deficit to beat South Africa 24-17 in style in the final of the Hamilton 7s last night.
It was a great performance from the national side as they overturned the disappointment in the Sydney 7s to win the inaugural Hamilton 7s.
Alosio Naduva scored three tries and was also given the Hamilton 7s Player of the Final award.
Josua Vakurunabili was yellow carded as he was going for an intercept however it was ruled as a deliberate knock on.
Kwagga Smith scored the first try for South Africa as they took the lead by 5-0.
Fiji hit straight back from the restart after Paula Dranisinukula made a brilliant break and his pass found Alosio Naduva who scored to level the score at 5-all.
South Africa scored their second try through Kyle Brown as they regained the lead by 10-5.
Branco du Preez extended the lead for South Africa with their third try as they led 17-5 at half-time.
Fiji started the second half with a try from Alosio Naduva after he ran onto a great pass from Kalione Nasoko as Fiji reduced the lead to 17-12.
Kalione Nasoko produced another brilliant pass for Naduva to score his third try as Vatemo Ravouvou converted the try to give Fiji a 19-17 lead.
It was once again the powerful Eroni Sau who sealed the win for Fiji with a trademark run to score Fiji’s last try.
The history books have been written as Fiji won the inaugural Wellington 7s tournament in 2000 and has now won the inaugural Hamilton 7s.
While speaking to World Rugby after the match, Captain Jerry Tuwai says this win will lift the morale of the players.
Coach Gareth Baber says he was proud of the way the team played.
Baber is optimistic that this form will continue throughout the season.
Three Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team players were included in the Hamilton 7s Dream Team.
They are captain Jerry Tuwai, Kalione Nasoko and Eroni Sau.
Vilimoni Koroi and Scott Curry of New Zealand, Werner Kok of South Africa and Lachie Anderson of Australia were also included in the Dream Team.
Australia won the bronze final after beating New Zealand 8-7, Samoa finished fifth while USA won the Challenge Trophy.
-Fiji Village
