Hong Kong Sevens 2019 results: Fiji hold off USA to reach final against France for shot at history
- Series leaders put up a fight but defending Hong Kong champions win 29-19
- Fiji will play French underdogs in Sunday’s final as they look for fifth title in a row
It seems there’s just no stopping Fiji at the Hong Kong Sevens, with the defending champions overcoming series leaders the USA 28-19 to give themselves a shot at history.
No team has won five titles in a row at Hong Kong Stadium, but Fiji will contest Sunday evening’s final with France after getting the job done against a resolute Eagles side. The resurgent French beat Samoa 19-12 to reach their second final in a row.
Sevuloni Mocenacagi crossed for Fiji after two minutes, following some dogged defence in their own 22 by the perennial Hong Kong favourites.
Some Carlin Isles magic got the US back level at 7-7, with his try converted by Madison Hughes. The half-time hooter sounded but there was time for one last Fiji break and Vilimoni Botitu crashed through a couple of challenges to stroll home. Alasio Naduva had Hong Kong Stadium rocking with a brilliant breakaway try after Fiji had again looked pinned back in their own 22, with the score now 21-7.
Kevon Williams kept the US in it, selling a couple of dummies to Fiji’s defenders before weaving his way to the try line. But after Isles looked to be in following another dangerous US attack, the ball was spilled and Fiji gathered it up before Naduva burst away down the middle for his second try.
Isles went through again at the death with another rapid break but it was too little too late, as Fiji booked their place in the Cup final, to the roars of their legion of fans inside Hong Kong Stadium.