SINGAPORE — Fiji produced a powerful
performance to see off New Zealand 28–17 on Sunday and clinch the World Rugby
Sevens Series crown in Singapore.
اضافة اعلان
The
Tokyo Olympic
gold medalists stormed to an early lead in the final and never looked back as
Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Waisea Nacuqu, and Joseva Talacolo converted tries to give
them a 21–0 advantage at half-time.
New Zealand narrowed the deficit after the break
with tries by Regan Ware, Moses Leo, and Caleb Tangitau but a second try for
Naduvalo ensured the Fijians claimed their first Series title since their 2020
triumph in Australia.
The Pacific island side lost their opening game to
Ireland on Saturday but bounced back to top their pool with victories against
France and Japan.
Fiji then eliminated Series leaders
South Africa19–14 in the quarter-finals and come from behind to beat Australia 19-12 in the
semi-finals.
They became the first time to win the
Singapore Sevens three times after their victories in the city-state in 2006 and 2018.
Competing in the World Rugby Sevens Series for the
first time since their victory in the Canada Sevens in March 2020, New Zealand
came up short after reaching the final with a perfect record.
The All Black Sevens recorded victories against
Argentina, Scotland and Wales in the pool stage, before eliminating Samoa 22–14
in the quarter-finals and Ireland 22–19 in the semis.
Australia finished third in Singapore with a 21–19
victory over Ireland in a hard-fought bronze medal match.
South Africa’s run of six consecutive victories in
the Series came to an end after their loss to Fjij but the Blitzboks still lead
the standings with 98 points, 15 ahead of second-placed Australia with four
events remaining.
The Series continues with the
Canada Sevens in Vancouver
next weekend.
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