Highlighting the current strength of the nation, head coach Ben Ryan picked a completely different squad from that which secured the Oceania Sevens title in Noosa last weekend for the tournament in Gold Coast, but the outcome was the same as they ran out 31-24 winners in today's final.

Apisai Domolailai, Semi Kunatani and two tries from Setefano Cakau saw Fiji power into a 26-0 lead in the first period with the only blip coming right before the half time hooter as Samoa's Fautua Otto crossed for a converted try to leave the score at 26-7 going in at the midway point.

That late score appeared to galvanise the Samoans as Lolo Lui, Siaosi Asofolau and Tila Mealoi all touched down to narrow the gap to just two points with four minutes to go.

But Jasa Veremalua settled Fijian nerves by crossing the line in the final minute to seal the win.

"It was a roller coaster final but we hung on in there," said Ryan, the former England coach. 

"We are by no means the finished product.

"I feel at home in Fiji and we are grateful for all of the support back in the country."

Fiji held off a second-half Samoan fight-back to claim victory at the Gold Coast Sevens ©AFP/Getty Images



Fiji now sit top of the early standings on 22 points, three clear of Samoa with England, South Africa and New Zealand completing the top-five.

Two tries from Dan Norton contributed to England's 19-0 win over the Springboks to secure third, after Simon Amor's side had earlier recorded their biggest ever victory over New Zealand with a 31-7 quarter-final victory.

Reigning World Series champions The All Blacks failed to make at least the semi-final of the main Cup competition for the first time since Dubai in 2011.

They regrouped, however, to win the Plate competition with a 36-21 win over Argentina.

"We set high standards so to trip up in the quarter-final [defeat by England] was massive for us," said a disappointed New Zealand captain DJ Forbes.

"It wasn't ideal but, in terms of the World Series, you've got to start somewhere."

Reigning champions New Zealand failed to reach the semi-finals of a World Series Sevens tournament for the first time since Dubai in 2011 ©AFP/Getty Images




Zack Test and Perry Baker starred for the United States in their 31-15 Bowl final victory over France in what was Englishman Mike Friday's first tournament in charge of the Americans.

"We've had to learn some harsh lessons this weekend but they've played some good rugby today,"he said.

"There are a lot of good teams here, the level is rising and we need to move from being participants to competitors."

North American neighbours Canada emerged with a resounding 47-0 win over Kenya in the Shield final thanks in the main to two tries and five conversions from Harry Jones.

Canadian captain John Moonlight said: "It's a little bit toasty but we are pleased to end the weekend with a victory.

"We'll learn from this experience and regroup ahead of the next leg in Dubai."

That next leg in Dubai is due to take place on December 5 and 6 as the battle to secure a top-four finish in the end-of-season standings and a place at Rio 2016 heats up.

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