Fiji have defended their Hamilton Sevens title, thrashing the United States 38-0 in the final to usurp the Eagles at the top of the World Series standings.
Fiji celebrate their second straight Hamilton 7s title. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Man of the match Jerry Tuwai scored twice in the decider while captain Kalione Nasoko, Meli Derenalagi, Vilimoni Botitu and Aminiasa Tuimaba were all named in the tournament dream team.
Fiji, who earlier thrashed reigning World Series champions South Africa 29-7 in the semi finals, were also awarded the "mark of excellence" award for the act of sportsmanship before kickoff in the final when the players lifted the ball-girl high into the air while saying their final prayer.
Fiji's Jerry Tuwai was named player of the final in Hamilton. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Coach Gareth Baber said they key to their success is maintaining their standards.
"It's hard work, it's perseverance, it's belief in each other, it's belief in the Lord and the power and the strength that he gives us," he said.
"But most of all it's believing in all the people back in Fiji and this mark of excellence is for all the children that we see so often in Fiji play around us."
Meli Derenalagi was one of four Fijians named in the Hamilton Sevens "Dream Team". Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Fiji and the USA are tied on 57 points after three rounds, with the Pacific Islanders claiming top spot in the overall standings by virtue of their tournament wins in Cape Town and Hamilton.
Samoa are up to eighth place after securing their best finish of the season so far, despite losing 24-19 to Scotland in the play-off for fifth place.
The Manu 7s stunned England 12-10 in their opening pool match and led South Africa at half-time in the quarter finals before running out of steam.
Samoa's Alamanda Motuga takes on the Tongan defence in Hamilton. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Meanwhile Tonga beat Japan and France en route to a 13th placed finish, in their first World Series tournament for five years.
The men's World Series continues in Sydney this weekend with Fiji and Samoa drawn alongside England and Japan in Pool A while Tonga face a tricky task in Pool D against South Africa, hosts Australia and Argentina.
The Women's World Series also resumes in Sydney on Friday, with Papua New Guinea to meet New Zealand, England and France in Pool A and the Fijiana up against Canada, Russia and Ireland in Pool B.
