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Last Updated: Apr 9, 2007 - 12:46:40 AM |
Fiji avenged Samoa 38-24 in the final to win the San Diego sevens tournament today and move level with New Zealand atop the International Rugby Board series.
A Fijian side inspired by William Ryder and Semisi Naevo, reversed the result of the final at last weekend's Wellington tournament when they were stunned 17-14 by their Pacific neighbours.
Today the Samoans couldn't impose themselves as physically on the fleet-footed winners who dominated the first half to lead 26-7, helped by two tries to playmaker Ryder.
Fiji became the fourth winners in four events of the series this season, joining South Africa, New Zealand and Samoa.
They are level with New Zealand on 60 points at the halfway stage of the eight-round series, with South Africa on 56 and Samoa 48.
As was the case last week, New Zealand were eliminated by Fiji in the semifinals, although their performance in losing 10-19 was much superior to the 0-31 whitewash in Wellington.
New Zealand opened the scoring through Edwin Cocker but Fiji struck back before halftime through Mosese Volavola and Nasoni Rako to lead 12-5 at halftime.
Volavola had his second try soon after the break before Solomon King rounded out the scoring in the closing stages when Fiji were reduced to six men.
New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens was delighted by the progress his team had made in a week.
"I thought we bounced back particularly well after a disappointing effort in the semis at Wellington," he told reporters.
"I saw enough out there today to suggest we're going to be there or thereabouts when it comes nearer the end of the world series.
"We really gave Fiji a crack, they knew they were in a game."
Tietjens singled out Canterbury rookie Steven Yates as "outstanding" over the two days.
Earlier today Fiji had looked vulnerable in their quarterfinal against South Africa, which they won 26-21 thanks to a try in sudden death extra time by Volavola.
By comparison, the New Zealanders always looked in control against England, relying on their sturdy defence for a 19-7 result.
In the other semifinal, Samoa stormed past France, who had qualified for their first semifinal of the series.
The series next moves to Hong Kong, from March 30 to April 1.
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