27 Nov 2011

Fiji beat New Zealand to win Gold Coast sevens

9:06 am on 27 November 2011

Fiji's won the inaugural Gold Coast rugby sevens tournament, defeating New Zealand 26-12 in the final of the opening leg of the World Series.

New Zealand led 12-7 at half-time after two Tomasi Cama tries to one to Fiji's 33-year-old captain Setefano Cakau but the Fijians levelled through Joeli Lutumailagi then went 19-12 ahead with Emosi Vucago scoring.

Watisoni Votu crossed for the final score.

The defending World Series champions New Zealand made the final by beating the hosts Australia 26-7 while in the other semi-final Fiji beat South Africa 24-7.

South Africa beat Australia in the new play-off for third place.

The Fijians travel to Dubai next weekend for round two with 22 points, three clear of New Zealand and five ahead of third-placed South Africa.

Wales defeated Samoa 26-15 to win the Plate final and Argentina beat Scotland 17-14 to lift the Bowl.