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Fiji Crowned Champions at HSBC New Zealand Sevens
| Fiji has won the HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton beating USA in the Final. In front of a full house at FMG Stadium, Fiji was unstoppable and retained its HSBC New Zealand Sevens crown to move joint top of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Fiji has now also won two of the first three tournaments of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Fiji playmaker Jerry Tui was named HSBC Player of the Final after directing his side’s comprehensive 38-0 victory. Fiji Head coach Gareth Baber said: “It was obviously very special [to go back-to-back] and I want to say a big thank you to all the Fijian fans. They certainly lifted the team today and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us.” The side were also awarded the UL Mark of Excellence Award for the act of sportsmanship ahead of the match as they lifted the ball girl high into the air while they said their final prayer. The USA was a gallant loser and finished runner-up for the third consecutive tournament to hold on to a share of top spot in the series standings. Losing semi-finalists New Zealand and South Africa remain third and fourth respectively. New Zealand made sure that it finished its home campaign on a winning note with a 29-7 victory over South Africa in the bronze final. FULL HSBC NEW ZEALAND SEVENS RESULTS>> The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series moves onto Sydney next weekend (February 1-3) where full men’s and women’s tournaments will take place. |