Hamilton Sevens: Rampant Fiji victorious again while New Zealand settle for third

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Aminiasi Tuimaba
GETTY IMAGES Aminiasi Tuimaba running clear for a try on finals day as Fiji won their second successive Hamilton Sevens title.

Fiji thrilled their wonderfully passionate support by winning their second successive Hamilton Sevens title after trouncing the United States 38-0 in the final.

The flying Fijians scored 100 points on finals day, conceding just two tries while thumping Canada, South Africa and USA on Sunday.

Earlier, New Zealand were sent tumbling out in the semi-finals for the second year running after a sloppy 17-7 defeat to USA in the men’s event.

The hosts were unbeaten after rolling past Australia in the quarter-finals but mistakes and poor discipline were very costly as USA pulled clear in the second half, qualifying for the final.

Vilimoni Koroi was sinbinned for a spear tackle with 4mins 44sec remaining and New Zealand, a man down for two minutes, lost the lead when Steve Tomasin touched down before speedster Carlin Isles clinched the USA’s place in their third successive final of the 2018/19 World Sevens Series.

Reigning tournament champions Fiji, who smashed South Africa 29-7 to reach the decider, knocked New Zealand out of the semi-finals in Hamilton last year, so losing one game from the final again was tough to take as FMG Stadium Waikato was sold out on finals day.

Instead, New Zealand finished the weekend third after walloping South Africa 29-7 in the bronze medal match, leaving the hosts to wonder what might have been, and coach Clark Laidlaw said their early exit was “bloody frustrating”.

Vilimoni Koroi was sinbinned in New Zealand's semi-final defeat against USA.
GETTY IMAGES Vilimoni Koroi was sinbinned in New Zealand’s semi-final defeat against USA.

“A lot of work has gone into the last few weeks and to miss out on playing a final at home is frustrating and disappointing.

“The way we played wasn’t quite what we were hoping for with the way we prepared and that’s on me.

“We certainly didn’t play like we did in other games and I need to have a look at that first before we start looking at the players.”

New Zealand coach Clark Laidlaw said their early exit was "bloody frustrating".
GETTY IMAGES New Zealand coach Clark Laidlaw said their early exit was “bloody frustrating”.

USA skipper Madison Hughes opened the scoring as the vibrant, colourful stands were packed and awash with fancy dress and Fijian sky blue after their earlier semi-final success.

Regan Ware’s intercept try snatched New Zealand the lead by half-time but Koroi’s yellow card gave USA extra space to exploit.

The Americans never looked back after Tomasin dived over, stunning the capacity crowd, who were anticipating a dream final between old foes Fiji and New Zealand.

USA led the series standings before Hamilton after two second-place finishes in Dubai and Cape Town and progressed to the last four after holding off Scotland 19-14.

Meanwhile, New Zealand beat Australia 24-17 in the quarter-finals after finishing day one unbeaten with routine wins against Japan (52-0), Canada (49-10) and Spain (24-0).

Australia ended New Zealand’s first tournament in Hamilton last year on a sour note, winning the bronze medal match 8-7 with a last-gasp penalty drop goal.

USA's Carlin Isles scores the clinching try to knock New Zealand out of the Hamilton Sevens.
PHOTOSPORT USA’s Carlin Isles scores the clinching try to knock New Zealand out of the Hamilton Sevens.

The Kiwis were too good this time despite Australia’s late rally and a final with Fiji beckoned, but USA have emerged as one of the series’ leading contenders, so beating New Zealand was no great surprise.

Fiji started day two with a classy 33-7 win against Canada in the first quarter-final, which delighted the loyal and loud scores of Fijians who once again kicked off an electric atmosphere after turning out in force on Saturday.

South Africa advanced to the semi-finals after seeing off Sir Gordon Tietjens’ Samoa 28-17 but they were no match for the formidable Fijians.

There was plenty of support in the stands for Fiji, whose fans painted the stadium sky blue.
GETTY IMAGES There was plenty of support in the stands for Fiji, whose fans painted the stadium sky blue.