Another stunner from fabulous Fiji at Hong Kong Sevens

Toughened by a fire and brimstone passage into the final, Fiji were untouchable as they swept to a popular 33-19 victory over New Zealand at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday night.

The magical islanders showed plenty of their natural flair and combined with a solid defensive performance they extended their record Cup victories in Hong Kong to 15 before a sell-out crowd of nearly 40,000.

Flair has been liberally mixed with discipline under the tutelage of English coach Ben Ryan and this is proving a potent mix as opponents find it hard to break down the sevens giants, who moved to within two points of World Series leaders South Africa - 110 to 108 in the "Race to Rio".

"It was close at times. I have been here nine times [seven of them with England] and been in a final before. But this was the first time I have experienced a Cup win," Ryan said.

Fiji had been hardened mentally by the challenges presented by England in an ill-tempered quarter-final, winning 17-12. They then staved off a second-half comeback to defeat South Africa 21-15 and reach the Cup final a battle-hardened unit.

The outcome was decided in the first half when Fiji ran in three unanswered tries to lead 21-0. Savenaca Rawaca scored a brace, sandwiching a try by Jerry Tuwai.

New Zealand, who had to rely on a penalty kick to pip Samoa 15-14 in the semi-final, fought back through tries either side of half-time from youngster Beaudine Waaka and Scott Curry.

But two poor restarts allowed Fiji to be at their dangerous best, running with ball in hand, and tries from substitutes Jasa Veremalua and Apisai Domolailai sealed the result. The Kiwis scored a late consolation with Curry getting his second, but it was a double-black day for New Zealand following the Black Caps' crushing loss to Australia in the Cricket World Cup final.