Dubai: Fiji showed their class at Twickenham on Sunday night as they rounded off an excellent year with victory over Samoa in the Emirates Airline London Sevens the final event of the IRB Sevens Series.
The series kicked off in December in Dubai with the Emirates Airline Dubai 7s. This victory also saw Fiji crowned overall winners of this year's IRB Sevens Series.
Despite being down a point at half time, in the end it was a fairly easy victory for Fiji, who saw off their South Sea Island counterparts, Samoa, 54-15 in the final at Twickenham. This saw them finish the season with 144 series points, 22 ahead of closest rivals England and 34 clear of third-placed South Africa. New Zealand, who were tipped to win the series again, finished fourth on 76 points.
Wasili Serevi's men were in imperious form throughout the Emirates Airline London 7s and looked firm favourites as Lupeni Nabuliwaqa, Sereli Naqelevuki and captain Semisi Naevo inspired the side to one final win of the season, fighting back from a one-point half-time deficit to score six unanswered tries.
These victories in the Emirates Airline London 7s and the IRB Sevens Series, adds to Fiji's existing titles of Rugby World Cup Sevens and World Games Sevens champions to round off an incredible year for the Fijians under the guidance of their talismanic coach Serevi. Fiji are certainly back on the 7s map as the firm team in the world. "It's a fantastic moment for Fiji," said Serevi. "The players have made a lot of sacrifices that have paid off and I thank them and their families for that and salute them for a wonderful performance in the series and here today."
However, all the Fiji celebrations maybe dampened somewhat by a suggestion that the great man of 7s may be about to hang up his boots and retire to the sidelines.
"I think it might be time now not only to wear the tracksuit, but also the big jumpers, big jackets and the pom-pom and the bags, and to be on the outside cheering for them," he said.
