Fiji Beat New Zealand to Win 2016 Hong Kong Sevens

Fiji beat New Zealand 21-7 to win the Cathay Pacific / Hong Kong Sevens for the 16th time on Sunday. It is also the 14th time the two sides have met in Hong Kong

On a wet Sunday evening in Hong Kong mistakes were aplenty, but the men from Fiji showed the 40,000 fans in the stadium exactly why they are one of the very best Rugby Sevens teams in the world, displaying the resilience that coach, Ben Ryan had spoken about in the pre-event press conference.

In the final, thrusting play by both sides rewarded first New Zealand as Pita Ahki crossed the line for a 7-0 lead, and then Fiji, when Jerry Tuwai showed nifty footwork to even it up at 7-7 right before half-time. In the second half, when New Zealand’s energy levels apparently dropped a notch, the Fijians were ready to press their physical game, laced with signature speed and flair.

Kitione Taliga, the winner of the Beth Coalter Trophy for Newcomer of the Year at the Hong Kong Sevens, flashed in under the posts for a try and the lead. Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau won the Leslie Williams Award for the Best & Fairest Player of the 2016 Hong Kong Sevens.

The response from New Zealand was full on but a turnaround was followed by some fast Fijian hands that set Semi Kunatani free to cross again for a 21-7 win – Fiji’s second Cup success over their southern hemisphere rivals in two years at the sold-out Hong Kong Stadium – to lift the silverware ahead of Sevens’ debut as an Olympic sport in the summer.

South Africa took on Australia in the third-place playoff and led 14-7 after 10 minutes’ play. Although Australia closed the gap to 12-14 in a stronger second-half performance, South Africa were able to hold on to secure third place in the Hong Kong Sevens for a second consecutive time.

Fiji’s victory in Hong Kong extends their lead at the top of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings with 128 points, while New Zealand (now on 123 points) leapfrogged South Africa (now 122 points) into second place.

England won the Plate smashing USA by 19-0, while Argentina beat Scotland 26-0 to claim the Bowl and Russia fought a tough battle with Canada to win the Shield by 19-14. Japan also ended the tournament on a high, with the Brave Blossoms beating Hong Kong 24-14 to secure their spot as a core team on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016-17.

Other pages about the 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens: Pictures from 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Hong Kong Sevens - Interview with Luc Bollen, GM of The Park Lane Hong Kong, Fiji Beat New Zealand to Win 2016 Hong Kong Sevens, South Africa Beat France to Win Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens, France and Japan Look Strong After Day 1 of Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens, Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens a Dress Rehearsal for Rio 2016, Hong Kong Sevens 2016 to Honour Beth Coalter and Jonah Lomu, HKRU Brings Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens to Central, Hong Kong Rugby Union Names Men's and Women's Sevens Squads, Natasha Olson-Thorne to Captain Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens Team, HKRU Launches Professional 15s Platform; Leigh Jones to Head Programme, Hong Kong Sevens 2016 Official Draw: South Africa Top Seeds in Pool B with Scotland, England and Russia, HKRU Confirms Teams Participating in Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens 2016, HKRU Confirms Teams for 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, David Hasselhoff, The Proclaimers and Bjorn Again to Perform at Hong Kong Sevens, Public Ballot System for Hong Kong Sevens 2016 Tickets Opens. See pictures from the HK7s in 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Rugby pictures: Pictures from 2019 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2018 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2017 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2015, Pictures of the Asia Rugby Sevens Olympic Games Qualifier in Hong Kong, Pictures of Singha Thailand Sevens 2015, Pictures from the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour in Hong Kong, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2014, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2013, Pictures of Chartis Cup 2012 and Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012.

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