There is a logjam at the top of the Sevens World Series log after Fiji gave another rousing display to dispatch the All Blacks Sevens in the Hong Kong Cup final.
As they demonstrated in Las Vegas last month, Fiji's compelling and free-wheeling style was too hot to handle for New Zealand as they won 33-19, an almost identical scoreline to the 35-19 decider in Las Vegas.
Fiji shot out to a 21-5 halftime lead via a double to Savenaca Rawaca, and though New Zealand fought back valiantly through a brace to the industrious Scott Curry, they never really looked likely to overhaul the hot-to-trot Fijians. Coach Gordon Tietjens was swift to acknowledge the quality of the Fijian display.
"That's a great Fijian side. I give my side a lot of dues, just maybe our inexperience was shown up a little bit in the final."
On day two, New Zealand had a 24-all scare from Portugal. In the cup quarter-finals, New Zealand accounted for Argentina 31-21 but needed a late - and not a universally popular option - penalty goal by Joe Webber to edge a resurgent Samoa 15-14 in the semifinals.
