The two teams went into the game with titles under their belts. South Africa with four tournament wins just this season though they had never gone all the way to Hong Kong while Fiji were seeking a third straight title. It was Fiji that came out on top after thrashing South Africa 22-0 during the cup final.
Fiji drew blood when Osea Kolinisau made a superb steal at the breakdown and offloaded to Kalione Nasoko who had Sevuloni Mocenacagi in support to strike first for the Fijians.
Mesulame Kunavula rammed a second for the Pacific Islanders putting them 10 up at the break. With seven minutes to go in the second half, South Africa let nervousness rule over them and Fiji capitalized on their mistakes. Kalione Nasoko scored Fiji’s third putting the margin to 17.
It was all smiles for the Pacific Islanders with a minute to run and Nasoko sweetened the victory when he tore away and dived over in the corner again putting Fiji 22 up. In a game where Fiji totally dominated despite the mistakes from the Blitzboks, one can say the Pacific Islanders deserved the title as they were unstoppable.
Osea Kolinisau, Fiji’s captain, on the Cup Final win: [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I am humble, and I want to thank the Lord for giving us strength. South Africa are a good side. We weren’t focusing on the third consecutive win, it was just a final in this series but I guess in Hong Kong it is a home away from home. We watched our idols play here and it is a dream of young Fijians to play here. To the people back home, this is for you guys!”[/perfectpullquote]
He added, “Cecil played an outstanding tournament and I told him I saw the old Cecil back. A guy like him you have to watch out for, he orchestrates everything for them.”
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Hong Kong Sevens
