Transcript
Fiji could have clinched the overall title with a top four finish but were pipped 19-17 by England in the quarter finals. Captain Jerry Tuwai says it has been a rollercoaster season.
"We have lots of new boys this season. We played together as a team along the way and we find our rhythm a bit but unlucky for us we were punished against England. England got the better of us and congratulations to the South African team, they deserve it. They've been chasing us - we've been chasing each other along the year and congratulations to them."
Fiji were also beaten by Kenya on day one but still finished as top qualifiers from Pool A. Gareth Baber's side, who won four consecutive events leading into Paris, ended their tournament strongly with crushing wins over Ireland and the USA to finish fifth and keep the pressure on South Africa. But the Blitzbokke, who also suffered a defeat in pool play, held their nerve on finals day, beating Spain in extra-time to reach the semi finals before victories over New Zealand and England to secure the title, despite winning just two of the season's ten tournaments. Captain Philip Snyman was full of praise for his team's performance.
"In the beginning of the tournament we said listen we're not going to focus on the result, we want to go out and play some fantastic rugby and it's out of our hands. We can only control the controllable and we made it so difficult for us but that's day one and we put it behind us. Coming into day two I think the guys played phenomenal. That first game...and then against New Zealand and now England. I still can't believe we managed to crawl that one back...they played phenomenal rugby and did what's expected of them - just to keep to the basics and to leave their smiles on their faces today."
Despite missing out on the series title, Fiji's Eroni Sau beat compatriot Alosio Naduva to the rookie of the year title after scoring 37 tries across season. The 28 year old was also one of four Fijians to make the World Series Dream Team, alongside Jerry Tuwai, Kalione Nasoko and Amenoni Nasilasila.Meanwhile Samoa finished in a share of last place in Paris after a winless weekend in the French capital. Despite a disappointing end to the season Samoa still managed to place 10th in the overall standings, up from 13th the previous year. Samoa Rugby's High Performance Manager, Zane Hilton, says it's an improvement but still nowhere near where they need to be.
"The reality is, certainly from my perspective and the committee's perspective, we're wanting to create that winning culture. That starts with how we prepare for games and regardless of excuses and making sure we don't put any roadblocks in front of staff. We need to make sure we review well and then look at the World Cup and we put all efforts into being successful at the World Cup."
The Fijiana women's team finished sixth in Paris to end the season in ninth overall, a big drop from their top four finish last season.
