Fiji’s fifth consecutive win in the Hong Kong 7s has been dedicated to the families affected by the terror attack in Christchurch in New Zealand last month.
Speaking after the 21-7 win over France in the final last night, Coach Gareth Baber remembered the fifty people that passed away as well as the dozens more that were injured.
Fiji head coach Gareth Baber dedicates his side's win to the families affected by the recent events in Christchurch, New Zealand #HK7s pic.twitter.com/INWqgt4vQo
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
Fiji’s first try in the final was scored by Vilimoni Botitu.
Aminiasi Tuimaba continued to show his brilliance and scored an outstanding try just before halftime.
This try was set up by an initial break by Captain Paula Dranisinukula.
Fiji led 14-0 at halftime.
✋ 🆠| @fijirugby #HK7s pic.twitter.com/biXh97Wutn
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
Josua Vakurinabili was yellow carded for a high tackle in the second half.
France was then awarded a penalty try following the incident.
It was again Tuimaba who crossed over for the final try before he also received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
Highlights: Check out all the action from an incredible #HK7s as @fijirugby won their fifth consecutive Hong Kong Sevens title #HK7s#DHLRugby pic.twitter.com/LexhGtUfZ8
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
This was the first Hong Kong 7s final for France.
Fiji is also undefeated in 31 games in Hong Kong which includes 30 wins and 1 draw.
They last lost a match in Happy Valley in March 2014.
Halfback Jerry Tuwai has also made history by becoming the only player to win 5 consecutive Hong Kong 7s tournaments.
The Player of the Final award was given to Aminiasi Tuimaba.
Your @HSBC_Sport Player of the Final for the #HK7s is Fiji's Aminiasi Tuimaba pic.twitter.com/PlfdnKqf9r
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
Jerry Tuwai and Meli Derenalagi were named in the Hong Kong 7s Dream Team alongside Tavite Veredamu of France, Tofatu Solia of Samoa, Johnny Vaili of Samoa, Carlin Isles of USA and Gabin Villiere of France.
The @HSBC_Sport Dream Team for #HK7s is:
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
Tofatu Solia 🇼🇸
Tavite Veredamu 🇫🇷
Meli Derenalagi 🇫🇯
Jerry Tuwai 🇫🇯
Gabin Villiere 🇫🇷
Carlin Isles 🇺🇸
Johnny Vaili 🇼🇸 pic.twitter.com/BVKN9mS4is
Fiji is now second in the World Sevens Series standings with 123 points, USA still leads with 130 points while New Zealand has dropped to third place with 118 points.
The top four teams on the standings after this season get automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In other results, USA settled for bronze in Hong Kong after defeating Samoa 22‑10 while Argentina finished fifth after upsetting New Zealand 21‑14.
Ireland will also officially be a core team on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 2020 after winning the qualifiers competition in Hong Kong.
QUALIFIED!
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 7, 2019
See you on the #HSBC7s 2020 @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/RmZ10KT24Z
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