15 Oct 2012

Sport: Fiji defend Gold Coast Sevens title

11:21 am on 15 October 2012

Fiji have defended their Gold Coast Sevens title in spectacular fashion after thrashing New Zealand 32-14 in the Cup final.

The holders went into the season-opening tournament with a host of new caps in and only one player that was present in last year's winning side.

But the new kids stole the show at Skilled Park with Ratu Raitini scoring an impressive hat-trick.

Another newcomer, Joji Raqamate, crossed twice and was named player of the tournament.

"New Zealand, even with the new boys, and the new boys coming from us, rugby's old but anybody can play rugby well. It was a hard effort and I take my hat off to the boys. I take it up to the lord - thank you very much for everything you have done for us and especially the new boys - they pulled up their socks and came to this level of rugby."

In other results, Argentina won the Plate, Spain edged England to lift the Bowl title and Scotland claimed the Shield.

The next round is in Dubai at the end of November.