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Fiji scoop USA Sevens title
12/02/2007 08:20 - (SA)
San Diego - Fiji defeated Samoa 38-24 in the final of the IRB USA Sevens on Sunday, avenging their defeat by their fellow islanders in New Zealand last weekend.
Fiji became the fourth winner in four events of the IRB Sevens World Series so far this season, joining South Africa, New Zealand and Samoa as Cup winners.
The victory also boosted Fiji into a share of the lead in the series alongside New Zealand with 60 points, four ahead of South Africa (56).
"It was very important for us to win this one," Fiji coach Waisale Serevi said, saying he was especially pleased to provide a morale boost to Fijians in the wake of the December coup that put Voreqe Bainimarama's military regime in power.
"This win was very important to the people back at home, putting smiles on faces," he said, noting that many had suffered economically as tourism dropped off in the wake of the coup. "I know they will be very proud."
Two first half tries by the superb William Ryder, plus efforts by Nasoni Roko and Etonia Naba to Samoa's sole score by Uale Mai saw Fiji lead 26-7 at the interval.
Although the Samoans hit back in the second half with tries by Timoteo Iosua and Jerry Meafou, scores for Semisi Naevo and Lepani Nabuliwaqa took the Fijian total out to an unassailable 38-24.
South Africa had to rally to beat Scotland 68-19 to take the Plate trophy and eight points in the series standings.
Gcobani Bobo gave Paul Treu's side an early lead in the final, but Scotland hit back through Mike Adamson and then Mark Robertson, following good work from wing Thom Evans, to lead 14-17 at the break.
South Africa dominated the second half with three tries from Mpho Mbiyozo, Howard Noble and captain Jonathan Mokuena to Scotland's one, scored by Lee Kibble.
France earlier made their first semi-final of the season after a dramatic late try by Farid Sid saw off Australia.
But Samoa stormed past the French 38-0 as Fiji beat New Zealand 19-10 to reach the final.
The series next moves to Hong Kong, March 30-April 1.
Treu predicted the Hong Kong tournament, would be the turning point of the series, and he was pleased with the experience gained by his youthful squad despite their quarter-final loss to Fiji.
"We've had some new players come and gain experience, and I really hope that we can go to Hong Kong next month with the strongest side possible," he said.
"Hong Kong will be very important for each and every team because double points are at stake."
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