Fiji has successfully retained their 2012 Gold Coast international rugby sevens title by defeating arch rivals New Zealand the cup final.

The Fijians ran in six tries to two in the 32-14 win over the Kiwis, this time repeating defending their trophy last year and beginning the 2012/2013 HSBC Series on a high note.

Fiji’s Ratu Alipate Raitini was the hero in the final, scoring a hat trick of tries.
Meanwhile, Joji Ragamate was awarded the player of the tournament.

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.

In other games,

South Africa took out third spot against Kenya with a 41-7 victory.

Kenya were worthy of their fourth place, pushing New Zealand all the way in a 15-5 defeat in the semis after having earlier defeated Australia 21-14 and ousting England.

They went home empty handed after their lost to Argentina 17-14 in the plate semis. They defeated France 14-7 in the finals while Scotland won the shield with Spain walking away the Bowl competition winners.

The series now moves to Dubai for the second round from November 30 to December 1.