Fiji beat Ireland to win Toulouse Sevens title

Ireland had made the final following an opening day that saw Argentina and Australia knocked out in the quarter-finals, while series leaders South Africa and heavyweights New Zealand failed to even make the knockout stages.

After a dismal start to the series, it was left to Fiji, champions in Singapore and runners-up last time out in Vancouver, to fly the banner for the big guns.

When Fiji’s Tevita Dagunu scored in the opening minute and Napolioni Bolaca converted, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Ireland.

However, the Irish responded with two fast touchdowns from Jordan Conroy and Terry Kennedy, with Mark Roche converting one of them.

Fiji made it 14-12 at half-time, however, as Bolaca notched up his side’s second five-pointer, Waisea Nacuqu converting.

The Irish, who earned a first-ever win over series leaders South Africa in Saturday’s opening game, were then put to the sword by the double Olympic champions.

Josua Vakurunabili, Elia Canakaivata and Kaminieli Rasaku crossed for a hat-trick of tries in quick succession.

Conroy bagged a late second try, but that was small consolation in the face of a consummate Fijian performance.

“Teamwork in defence and attack was what this victory was built on,” Dagunu said.

“We kept the ball well and stuck to our game plan.

“To all the Fijians around the globe, this win is for you.”

Hosts France beat Samoa 17-12 in the third-place playoff, Jonathan Laugel scoring the decisive try after the game went into extra-time.

Fiji moved up to fifth in the standings

Argentina, on 118 points, leapfrogged South Africa (116) to top the overall standings after beating England to finish fifth overall.

The men now have a quick turnaround, back in action in London between May 28-29.

The nine-leg series wraps up in Los Angeles between August 27-28.

Meanwhile, Australia were confirmed as champions of the six-leg women’s series despite going down 21-14 to arch-rivals New Zealand in the final in Toulouse.

Kelly Brazier crossed for the winning try to seal victory for the Black Ferns, playing just their second tournament of the season.

Fiji beat Ireland 26-10 for third place.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse