Click photo to enlarge
Fiji players celebrate winning the final in the
International Rugby Sevens, Westpac Stadium, Wellington,
New Zealand, Saturday. Credit:NZPA / Aaron Smale.
New Zealand surrendered their perfect start to the
International Rugby Board sevens season and watched Fiji close
the gap considerably after a classic Pacific island final in
Wellington tonight.
Fiji emerged deserved champions by beating Samoa 19-14 in a
tense final, only securing victory with some desperate
defence on the final hooter. It closed them to within four
points of leaders New Zealand on the IRB standings after
three legs of the eight-stop series.
There is no denying Fiji were the best team over the two days
and deserved to win their third Wellington title. They were
convincing 28-19 semifinal winners over England and avenged
their 2007 final loss to Samoa.
It was also fitting their final score of the night went to
winger Osea Kolinisau, a firm bet as player of the
tournament, to follow tries either side of halftime to Jiuta
Lutumailaga and captain Emosi Vucago.
However, it nearly went pear-shaped courtesy of Samoa's
premium flyer, Mikaele Pesamino, who scorched over for a
double to keep his country in the hunt.
The very best of Samoa was on display in their 24-14
semifinal dumping of New Zealand, the tournament hosts unable
to continue on from their series-opening wins in Dubai and
South Africa two months ago.
The semi was a triumph for Samoan sevens great Uale Mai, the
captain crossing for three tries, including two in succession
to seal proceedings in the second spell. The team's other
playmaker, Lolo Lui, was cited for an incident in the semi
and he was a crucial absentee in the final.
The New Zealand match was won up front by the Samoans, who
were stronger at the tackle and the breakdown, allowing few
opportunities for the likes of star New Zealand winger
Sherwin Stowers.
In one of Stowers' few touches, he threw a gift intercept to
opposite Pesamino 50m out. It turned around a 5-7 halftime
deficit for Samoa, handing them a lead they weren't to
relinquish.
Experienced New Zealand forwards such as captain DJ Forbes
and Lote Raikabula were uncharacteristically poor on defence,
something acknowledged by the skipper.
"There were too many crucial errors, two clear ones (missed
tackles) by myself were very disappointing," Forbes told Sky
Sport.
"Obviously the boys are shattered.
"Well done to the Samoans, they really stuck to their guns
and punished us." New Zealand scored a try in each half. The
first was an opportunistic 60m effort by Tim Mikkelson, who
was a surprise starter ahead of veteran Zar Lawrence. The
second was a last-minute consolation to Kurt Baker.
