Fiji defeats England 28-17 in Dubai Sevens final

Fiji beat Australia 19-12 in the quarterfinals, and New Zealand 19-5 in the semifinals.

Pio Tuwai of Fiji scores in the Cup Semi Final against new Zealand during the second day of the Sevens World Series rugby tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, Dec. 05, 2015.

Fiji beat England 27-18 in the final of the Dubai Sevens – the first leg of the World Series Sevens.

England is in second place with 19 points and third is US with 17 points.

Savenaca Rawaca burst past two defenders to storm in, Jasa Veremalua and Isake Katonibau followed in quick succession from the kick-offs, then man-of-the-tournament Tuwai, after the half-time hooter, stepped out of a crowd of defenders to sprint free.

Injuries played a part on day two, which they began by pipping Samoa 24-21 in their quarter-final.

England scored first in the second half to reduce the deficit but could only add one more try to their score as Fiji sealed the crown with a 28-17 win.

Boks blitz AustraliaEarlier in the evening reigning Dubai champions South Africa had to settle for victory in the Plate final as they snatched victory over Australia in extra-time.

Ben Ryan’s side will come face to face with Argentina, Scotland and Russian Federation, while runners-up England compete against three African opposition in hosts and defending champions South Africa, Kenya and the only non-core side at the tournament Zimbabwe.

Ryan was delighted with his team efforts, hailing Fiji as the benchmark for sevens excellence. Canada raced into a 19-7 lead before a spirited display from Japan saw them reduce the arrears to just two points, but a missed conversion Katsuyuki Sakai meant they just missed out on forcing extra-time. “But ultimately that is a very good Fiji team, loads of experience, loads of world class players”, said England coach Simon Amor.

“I said at the start of the season that I wanted to be competitive and I wanted everyone to fear us and respect us and that’s what we are trying to build towards and I hope now we are starting to see it”, said United States coach Mike Friday.