New Zealand fifth at London Sevens, Fiji win to increase world series lead
Fiji lift the trophy to celebrate their win at the London Sevens.
New Zealand finished fifth at the London Sevens as Fiji closed in on the world series title.
The All Blacks Sevens bowed out at the quarterfinal stage at Twickenham, losing 14-5 to South Africa.
Fiji moved to the brink of clinching overall series honours after beating their closest title challenger, South Africa, 21-17 in the final on Monday morning (NZ time).
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03: Tone Ng Shiu of New Zealand is tackled by Stephen Tomasin of the USA on day two of the HSBC London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium on June 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
The Fijians can win a third world series in four years by reaching the final in Paris next weekend in the last round, or advancing further than South Africa if the defending series champion stumbles early.
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Fiji overcame an immediate yellow card to Sevuloni Mocenacagi for a tackle in the air at the opening kickoff in the final at Twickenham. South Africa exploited the man advantage to send over Stedman Gans.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03: Stephen Tomasin of the USA is tackled by Regan Ware and Kurt Baker of New Zealand on day two of the HSBC London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium on June 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
The Fijians' reply was stalled by errors until a minute before halftime, when Paula Dranisinukula claimed a turnover and Josua Tuisova barged through the defense to level the score on 7.
Fiji led for the first time straight after the break as Dranisinukula finished off an Amenoni Nasilasila break.
Nasilasila converted again, but Justin Geduld was just short with his conversion attempt after Ruhan Nel brought South Africa within two.
Jasa Veremalua played give and take with Josua Vakurunabili for another converted try and 21-12 with less than three minutes to go.
South Africa's comeback was stymied by terrific Fiji defense, and it couldn't grab the quick score it needed until seconds were left and Zain Davids crossed. The South Africans skipped the conversion to quickly set up for kickoff, but couldn't make it work.
The victory was Fiji's fourth in a row and fifth overall in the series, out of nine rounds. Their first London Sevens title since 2012 extended their overall lead from four points to seven.
Fiji ran through Canada and invitation side Ireland to make the final, and Ireland got up to beat England for third, the biggest surprise of the weekend.
- Stuff
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