Samoa beat Fiji to Win Emirates Airline London Rugby Sevens

Samoa beat Fiji 19 -14 on Sunday in a close fought final at Twickenham to take the top spot at the Emirates Airline London Sevens.

A Lolo Lui hat trick put the Samoan sevens team into an early lead and at 19-0 they appeared secure. However, Fiji came back strongly through Timoci Matanavou and then in the second half through Sailosi Rabonaqica. A last minute try to equalise by Fiji’s Nasoni Roko as the whistle blew was ruled out by referee David Keane because of a late tackle in the build-up.

Although New Zealand, who have been outstanding this season, missed out on the Cup semi finals, thanks to England’s Tom Biggs' late try earlier in the day, the Kiwis did clinch the defense of their IRB Sevens World Series title with one event to spare. New Zealand now have 134 points from seven events, 36 clear of South Africa on 98, who lead the race for second place from Fiji (90) and Samoa (88). New Zealand beat South Africa on Sunday 19-12 to win the Plate with a Nigel Hunt try in the closing stages.

In the other two finals Australia beat Wales 19 – 12 to win the Bowl, in a match which could have gone either way, and Spain beat Kenya convincingly 10 – 7 to take the Shield. As ever the enthusiastic Kenyan supporters were out in force, and much of the stadium gave the plucky Kenyan team a standing ovation on their lengthy victory lap.

The IRB Sevens World Series enters its final round this weekend with the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield on 31st May and 1st June.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Promotions, New Hotels, Emirates, London, Rugby, Rugby Sevens