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Last minute heroics secured Fijian victory at the Singapore leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series, and catapulted them to first in the overall standings.
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Alosio Naduva sealed the win in spectacular fashion with an 80-metre sideline sprint after the final siren to give Fiji a thrilling 28-22 triumph over Australia.
Re:Live | That’s how you win a cup final! Naduva takes flight to secure last gasp winner for @fijirugby at the #Singapore7s pic.twitter.com/Y8xhoTTKsg
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 29, 2018
Australia’s John Porch had put Australia ahead for the first time just a minute before after an incredible dive in the corner, but Naduva would spoil the Australian side’s night.
Porch, Naduva and Fijian teammate Eroni Sau were named in the tournament team after the Singapore event.
Dream Team | Seven stars make up your @HSBC_Sport Dream team after an incredible weekend of rugby at the #Singapore7s #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/d77O03fzFM
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 29, 2018
After not placing on the podium across the first three tournaments, Fiji have found their form to pick up their third consecutive cup title after victories at both Hong Kong and Vancouver.
Fiji captain Jerry Tuwai said post-match “I’m speechless. Australia are a very good side and took us to the wire. We gave everything for this final.”
“Winning this tournament will boost our morale going to London and Paris.
“To all the people in the stadium, thank you very much for the support and back home thank you very much for your prayers, support and belief in this young team.”
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The Fijians have now leapfrogged South Africa’s Blitzbokke – the 2017 champions – atop the World Series standings, sitting four points ahead on 145 with only the London and Paris legs remaining.
Australia’s second-place finish moves them up into fourth overall while New Zealand – dispatched by Fiji in the quarter-final – remain in third.
The next stop on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is London 2-3 June. With only 37 points between the top four teams, this year’s series is proving to be the most competitive yet.
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