Fiji holds off Argentina to take SA Sevens

GEORGE – Fiji beat Argentina 21-19 in the South Africa Sevens final on Saturday for its first title on the world circuit since the same event at Outeniqua Stadium in 2002. Fiji won the World Cup at Hong Kong in March, but had lost seven finals in the International Rugby Board Sevens Series, including last week’s season-opener in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

On Saturday, Argentina led 19-14 with three minutes to go when Fiji’s William Ryder took a pass in his own 22 and accelerated from the defence to score the match-winning try, his second of the final. “It means so much to the people of Fiji,” said coach Waisale Serevi.”I am pleased for Jone Daunivucu.”I made him captain because he is one of the most experienced players and he has done very well.”He should play many more tournaments.”Daunivucu was named player of the tournament.Fiji took the high road to the title, crushing defending champion New Zealand 43-14 in the quarter-finals, and putting away Dubai winner England 28-22 in the semis.Fiji moved atop the series standings with 36 points, four more than England.South Africa was third with 24.Argentina stunned host South Africa 28-19 in the semi-finals.”After losing to Wales on the first day we really thought we were in trouble, so we are delighted to have got so far and made the final in the end.We can be proud of ourselves,” Argentina’s Juan Gauthier said.Samoa beat New Zealand 17-5 for the plate, and Wales won the bowl for the second successive week.The next leg will be held in Wellington, New Zealand on February 3 and February 4 next year.- Nampa-AP”It means so much to the people of Fiji,” said coach Waisale Serevi.”I am pleased for Jone Daunivucu.”I made him captain because he is one of the most experienced players and he has done very well.”He should play many more tournaments.” Daunivucu was named player of the tournament. Fiji took the high road to the title, crushing defending champion New Zealand 43-14 in the quarter-finals, and putting away Dubai winner England 28-22 in the semis. Fiji moved atop the series standings with 36 points, four more than England.South Africa was third with 24.Argentina stunned host South Africa 28-19 in the semi-finals. “After losing to Wales on the first day we really thought we were in trouble, so we are delighted to have got so far and made the final in the end.We can be proud of ourselves,” Argentina’s Juan Gauthier said. Samoa beat New Zealand 17-5 for the plate, and Wales won the bowl for the second successive week. The next leg will be held in Wellington, New Zealand on February 3 and February 4 next year.- Nampa-AP