30 May 2016

Sport: Fijiana finish World Series in 8th place

12:48 pm on 30 May 2016

Fiji have finished eighth in the Women's World Sevens Series to retain their core team status on the global circuit.

The result matches the Fijiana's eighth-placed finish last season.

Their 34-point total is two more than their tally from last season, despite playing one less event.

The Fijiana also finished eighth in the final round of the 2015/16 campaign in Clermont-Ferrand.

Chris Cracknell's side were thrashed 34-0 by series champions Australia in their opening pool match but bounced back to beat France 14-10 and Ireland 19-14 to qualify for the Cup quarter finals.

Australia and Fiji huddle before their clash at the Clermont-Ferrand Sevens.

Australia and Fiji huddle before their clash at the Clermont-Ferrand Sevens. Photo: World Rugby

Eventual champions Canada prevailed 12-5 in their last-eight clash, while Fiji were also beaten 14-12 by the USA in the Plate semis and 13-10 by Spain in the playoff for seventh place.

The Fijiana led 10-0 inside four minutes through tries to Luisa Tisolo and Merewai Cumu.

But Cumu was yellow carded a minute into the second half and Spain scored twice to send the match to extra time, where Patricia Garcia converted a penalty to seal victory.