26 Mar 2012

Sport: Fiji beat NZ in Hong Kong Sevens final to close gap

11:22 am on 26 March 2012

Fiji have cut New Zealand's lead in the World Sevens standings to just two points after beating their great rivals 35-28 in a pulsating Hong Kong final.

The five tries to four victory helps to avenge their loss to the same opponent in the Wellington final in February.

Fiji skipper Setefano Cakau says the win is extra special.

"For me it's the first time I've played the final and won the final in Hong Kong. I've been here after six years and it's my first victory as a captain so I just thank the boys for their hard effort. I know they work very hard this afternoon."

In other results, Samoa held off Argentina to win the Plate final 12-10.

Meanwhile Tonga fell short in their bid for a permanent place on next year's World Series Circuit.

With three spots up for grabs in the qualifying tournament, Tong were knocked out in the quarter finals by Spain, who earnt core status in 2013 alongside Canada and Portugal.

The next round of the World Series is in Tokyo this weekend.