New Zealand turned a Fiji knock-on at its own tryline into a try after 25 seconds for Cody Vai, making his tournament debut as an injury replacement. Akuila Rokolisoa forced an error behind a Fiji scrum for co-captain Sione Molia to score in the second minute, then Ngarohi McGarvey-Black’s chip was underestimated by Fiji and Leroy Carter was first to touch the ball behind the posts. Rokolisoa’s extras made it 19-0.
New Zealand's players celebrate after defeating Fiji in the final match of the Hong Kong Sevens. Photo / AP
Fiji showed its class from a deep kickoff when Pilipo Bukayaro attacked, Waisea Nacuqu supported and Viwa Naduvolo finished the move sliding between the posts.
But after the halftime hooter, McGarvey-Black’s diving touchdown as Joseva Talacolo tried pushing him over the sideline survived a video review for a 24-7 lead.
Talacolo scored the only points after halftime, but both Fiji tries weren’t converted and the second wasn’t until right on fulltime. New Zealand’s defense was superb, including for two scoreless minutes while Amanaki Nicole was sin-binned.
New Zealand’s first Hong Kong title since 2014 was their 12th overall, second only to Fiji’s 19 in the tournament’s history.
“The last time this team stamped their mark in Hong Kong was a long time ago,” Molia said. “We’ve had some pretty dreadful losses and close ones, and we’re stoked to get the win.”
Australia was the last team to beat the New Zealand women, in the final of the first series event in Dubai in December. Since then, New Zealand had won 29 straight matches and four finals, including two against Australia in Cape Town and Vancouver.
The Australians started Sunday’s final better when teen Bienne Terita scored a try that she started in her own 22.
But Terita was sin-binned after tackling Kelly Brazier off the ball and conceding a penalty try. With an extra woman, New Zealand regained the kickoff and Tyla Nathan-Wong crosskicked for Waaka to score.
On halftime, Australia’s Teagan Levi turned over ruck ball and Charlotte Caslick scored to narrow the gap to 14-12.
Maddison Levi knocked the ball from Waaka’s grasp over the tryline to prevent the first score of the new half, but then New Zealand overturned ruck ball and Michaela Blyde was on the end of quick passing to notch a converted try for 21-12.
Sariah Paki replied for Australia without the extras but Waaka finally sealed the result when she scored in the last seconds.
“I love playing Australia, they make us a better team,” New Zealand captain Sarah Hirini said. “Pretty scrappy game to be fair, lots of mistakes. Just glad Stacey finished that in the corner.”
