Dubai: Five times runners-up Fiji finally won their first Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens title with a 29-17 defeat of South Africa at The Sevens stadium here on Saturday.
The Pacific islanders’ final triumph followed an incredible 44-0 hammering of New Zealand in the semi-finals — the All Blacks’ heaviest ever HSBC Sevens World Series defeat.
And the result was also another impressive triumph for new head coach Ben Ryan, who had previously led his native England to back-to-back Dubai triumphs in 2010 and 2011.
Two first half tries from Benito Masilevu and another from Samisoni Viriviri — two of which were converted by Emosi Mulevoro — put the Pacific Islanders 19-0 ahead. Mulevoro then furthered Fiji’s advantage in the second half before Cheslin Kolbe and Sampie Mastriet brought South Africa back to 24-10.
But unflustered Fiji continued their barrage with Leo Naikasau getting over the line, before South Africa consoled themselves with a late Chris Dry try and a conversion from Cecil Afrika.
Ryan, leading Fiji in only his second world series event since his appointment in September, said: “This group of 12 players that have been with me for the last two days have just been outstanding in everything they have done, and they are learning really quickly.
“That semi-final was flawless sevens against the best side in the world and we gave them their heaviest defeat ever. I was speechless.
“I’ve always had a plan of how we can perhaps play well against New Zealand, but we don’t always execute it. But we played the way we had in our heads and that took us onto the final. It wasn’t a picture postcard of a final but we were always in control and we scored some nice tries.”
To get to the semi-final against New Zealand, Fiji beat Scotland 26-14 in the quarter-final on Saturday after Friday’s group stage wins over USA 36-5, Canada 26-19 and England 26-21.
South Africa beat England 26-12 in the semi-finals after overcoming Kenya 19-12 in the quarters. They progressed from their group with wins over Argentina 17-7, Russia 34-5 and Samoa 26-5.
South Africa coach Neil Powell said: “Overall it was a pretty good performance from our boys but unfortunately we couldn’t make it in the final.
“It’s a really good Fiji side and it will take a special performance from any team to beat them in a final when they play like that. I think they showed that when they played against New Zealand in the semis.”
Earlier in the evening, New Zealand made up for their record loss to Fiji by beating England 17-14 in the third-place play-off. Argentina beat Wales 21-5 in the Plate final.
