In the third place play-off match, the tournament’s surprise package, the United States, who beat former Dubai champions New Zealand in the pool stages on Friday, completed the double with a 31-14 victory.
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It was an “iffy” performance by the Blitzbokke as they conceded three turnovers in the first 90 seconds and gave away the first try of the match, Perry Baker running in from around 40m out after a great pass from Zach Test.
Fiji’s aforementioned, dominant win over the Argentinians saw them top their group and they will now face Australia, whose 21-5 reverse to England saw their triumphant opponents head off on a path towards the Pumas instead.
Defending Dubai champions South Africa have named a familiar squad with Kyle Brown captaining a side that includes the sevens player of the year Werner Kok, and nominee Seabelo Senatla while Francois Hougaard comes in after his time with the Springboks at Rugby World Cup 2015. We’ve had some incredible games against them, some highs and lows, but it’s never an easy game.
A late stumble last season has been written off as a valuable hiccup by the all-conquering New Zealand women’s sevens rugby team. “They’re my major opposition – the boys in white and, if we hit the ground running, we’re not going to lose tomorrow”.
“It keeps us on a roll for the next round in South Africa”.
The scoreline flattered England as Fiji had its second Dubai Sevens title in three years secure by halftime, when it led 28-7.
Defending champions South Africa notched 104 points in victories over Samoa, Scotland and Russian Federation in Pool B but Fiji topped the scoring charts with 112 points in wins against Argentina, Japan and Canada.
Sherwin Stowers then darted up the right touchline to score his side’s second of the day with two minutes left in the half.
There are 10 rounds in the World Rugby Sevens series before the sport makes it first appearance at the Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro next year.
While in Abu Dhabi, Ryan and the boys played several friendly games against various Quins teams, as well as a game of touch against a team of students from the British School Al Khubairat.
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After losing to Fiji, Argentina and Japan on Day 1, the Canadian men were beaten 24-14 by Wales to open play Saturday.
