Fiji retained the Hong Kong Sevens title after beating New Zealand 21-7 in last night's final to move clear in the World Series standings.
Sonny Bill Williams in Hong Kong action. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Pita Ahki's try gave New Zealand an early 7-nil lead but Fiji struck back before half-time to level the ledger at the break before scoring two second half tries to seal victory.
New Zealand had beaten South Africa in the second period of extra time in the semi-finals and coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said he was pleased with his side's performance.
"Really proud of the guys and the way they performed here in Hong Kong, you know [it's a] particularly tough tournament, tough draw. Had a biggie in the semi, of course, we basically played two games of Sevens against South Africa in extra-time. And to play another Hong Kong final and we lost to a better Fijian team on the night."
Tietjens said he wouldn't use the epic semi-final as an excuse.
"But I mean they obviously worked very very hard in that semi-final. The final wasn't to be, certainly not looking back at that but it might have played a minor role, perhaps. But we were competitive in the final but just not good enough."
New Zealand are second on the World Series table.
The next leg of the series is in Singapore this weekend.
