Sports

Fiji finish third at Sydney 7's

February 7, 2016 8:02 am

The Vodafone Fiji 7’s side defeated South Africa 26-12 to finish third at the Sydney 7’s in Australia.

The Ben Ryan coached side came out of the blocks quicker and tries to Jerry Tuwai and a brace to captain Osea Kolinisau saw the Fijians lead 21-nil at the break.

South Africa bounced back with two quick tries in the second spell but a try to Savenaca Rawaca sealed the win for the Fijians.

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Kolinisau says the win against South Africa was important.

“We wanted the points on the line as there’s a few tournaments left to go so we told ourselves we needed to get back against the number one team in the series and especially because they defeated us last week in the semi-finals so we told the boys that we needed to work hard. The loss against New Zealand was a bit painful but this is a series and important points are up for grabs.”

The win sees Fiji gain 17 points from the tournament and will now take the lead on the overall series standings with 69 points with South Africa who also have 69 points.

New Zealand also join South Africa and Fiji at the top with 69 points after winning the Sydney title defeating hosts Australia 27-24 in a pulsating Cup final.

Fiji lost out in the semi-finals to New Zealand 14-12.

In other finals, Wales beat Russia to win the Shield, Canada won the Bowl competition defeating Samoa 17-12 while Argentina won the Plate defeating Kenya 24-nil.