Fiji Run Rampant in Hamilton

The USA reached the Cup Final for the third consecutive Sevens tournament, but once again finished runners-up, and once again finished runners-up to Fiji who were rampant 38-0 winners in the Final. Fiji outscored their three opponents, 100-14, on Day Two. 

That said, the USA getting to the Cup Final was more remarkable that the prior two when you consider Perry Baker was out for most of it after fracturing his jaw in a collision in the opening match against Tonga. The USA persisted and won their pool convincingly over Tonga, Samoa, and England. On Day Two, they withstood Scotland and then beat hosts New Zealand for the first time on their home soil on second half tries by Stephen Tomasin and Carlin Isles.

However, the Fijians were simply dominant on this day and it showed Jerry Tuwai and Kailone Nasoko each got a pair of tries in the Final to defend their title in Hamilton. 

Both Fiji and the USA are joint-top of the overall table of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on 57 points. New Zealand claimed third in Hamilton and are third in the standings on 54 points right on the tail of the Fijians and the Eagles. South Africa were fourth in Hamilton and fourth in the standings on 44 points. And England, who failed to reach the Cup Quarters after defeats to Samoa and the USA in their pool, are in 5th on 38 points after capturing the Challenge Cup (9th place). 

Scotland took fifth after a great showing which featured over France and Kenya in pool play and then Australia and Samoa in the 5th Place Playoffs. Canada reached the Cup Quarterfinals for the first time this season after a draw with Spain and victory over Japan and going through on point difference. 

Next stop on the Sevens Series is Sydney on February 2-3, 2019.

Dubai Sevens Men’s Dream Team:

Ben Pinkelman (USA)

Kalione Nasoko (FIJ)

Meli Derenalagi (FIJ)

Carlin Isles (USA)

Vilimoni Botitu (FIJ)

Folau Niua (USA)

Aminiasi Tuimaba (FIJ)

Player of the Final:  Jerry Tuwai (FIJ)

SYDNEY SEVENS POOLS:

Pool A:  Fiji, Samoa, England, Japan

Pool B:  USA, Canada, Kenya, France

Pool C:  New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, Wales

Pool D:  South Africa, Australia, Argentina, 16th team

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