The HSBC World Sevens Series got underway this weekend in the same fashion as last year, with Fijian defeating New Zealand in the final.
Played on Australia’s Gold Coast, early results on the first day suggested just how close the competition was going to be, with South Africa thumping the New Zealanders and the home side earning victory over the eventual winners.
But it was Kenya who produced the biggest upsets of the tournament, beating England in pool play and effectively eliminating one of the competition favourites in the process, before ousting the Australians in the quarter final.
After struggling to subdue Argentina in their quarter-final, the kiwis looked to be finding form as their eased past Kenya and in to the final. But the Fijians were another level in the gold-medal match, outclassing the reigning champs in a 32-14 rout.
South Africa claimed third place in an all-African play-off, while Argentina ensured they took some silverware home, grabbing the Plate with victory over France.