The Digicel Fiji 7s team failed to find their winning form in the opening leg of the IRB 7s Series in Dubai losing to eventual winner South Africa 10-7 in the semifinals.

The Waisale Serevi coached side led throughout the match and South Africa equalized on the stroke of full-time with captain Mzwandile Stick kicking a crucial conversion from wide out.

Stick then also kicked a sudden-death drop goal from half-way to edge Fiji 10-7.

In the second semifinal, England beat New Zealand 21-19 with both sides scoring three tries each.

In the final, South Africa scored a last minute try to edge England 19-12.

The Paul Treu coached side will now go into the next leg of the IRB 7s Series in George with a 20 point lead while England is at second place with 16 points.

Defending champion New Zealand and Fiji both take 12 points from Dubai onto the second event next weekend in George in South Africa.