Fiji claim record 4th straight HK Sevens crown with crunching win

this weekend.”

Cyclone Josie claimed a reported four lives and left thousands of dwellings flooded when it hit the island nation at high tide in early April.

Fiji had come to Hong Kong looking to raise spirits back home and grab a slice of history with a fourth straight title win – and an 18th overall.

Such is the importance of the event to Fijians that they opted to send a fullstrength squad to town, even though the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens tournament – one they have never won – is in a week’s time.

It paid off after a scorching final day that saw them first pushed to the limit by a spirited and youthful South Africa in winning their semifinal 26-24. The South Africans were among the nations to send development squads to Hong Kong and focus their more senior players on the Commonwealth Games.

Kenya came full-strength and had looked a serious threat to the Fijians’ reign after winning their semifinal 21-7 over New Zealand.

But two yellow cards late in the first half left them with five men, and Fiji pounced with an Amenoni Nasilasila try that made the score 17-0 at the half.

Kenya tried hard but could never really work their way back into serious contention.

There was some consolation for the youthful South Africans as they picked up third for the tournament with a 29-7 win over New Zealand.