Fiji has defeated New Zealand 32-14 in the Cup final of the 2012 Gold Coast Sevens to successfully defend the title won last year and claim the first Cup of the new HSBC Sevens World Series.
In a repeat of the final last year Fiji once again proved too strong for the All Black Sevens at Skilled Park with Ratu Raitini scoring an impressive hat trick and Joji Raqamate crossing twice for a side that boasted just one player from last year's side.
Fiji's defence stopped the All Black 7s as Tomasi Cama was shadowed while DJ Forbes and Tim Mickleson strongly opposed in the rucks.
Alipate Ratini scored twice in the first half with Fiji's Captain Botia also touching down while New Zealand scored through Tim Mickleson.
Fiji led 17-7 at half time and did not look back from there.
Ratini completed his hat-trick early in the second half after continuing to show his pace and acceleration out-wide.
Player of the tournament Joji Ragamate and Ilai Tinai also scored for the national side in the second half.
Ragamate said the new players really stepped up.
All Black 7s coach Gordon Tietjens said Fiji were just too good in the final.
The victory means Fiji collect 22 Series points to sit top of the standings, ahead of New Zealand (19) and South Africa (17) who beat Kenya (15) in the third place play-off.
The next stop in the HSBC IRB World Series is Dubai next month, with Fiji in Pool A with Scotland, Kenya and Spain.
Story by: Akuila Cama
Fiji defends title
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when