Fiji beats Wales to defend Hong Kong title

Fiji players and team officials celebrate with their trophy after beating Wales in the final match of the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, on March 24, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

HONG KONG - Defending champion Fiji fought back to beat Wales 26-19 in the final of 2013 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens here on Sunday to take a record 14th time title.

Wales, who was appearing in the first ever Hong Kong final, dominated the first half and went into the break leading 19-0.

But powerhouse Fiji, who thrashed rival New Zealand in the semifinals, stormed back with the help of Osea Kolinisau's hat-trick touchdowns.

It was Fiji's second victory of the 2013 IRB sevens series.

Hong Kong, China, lost to England 7-42 in the final of the bowl and took the 10th place and will play for a seed in London with the top four teams of the pre-qualifying event, which are Zimbabwe, Tonga, Russia and Georgia.

Fiji's Samisoni Viriviri (L) is tackled by Wales' Alex Webber before scoring a try in the final of the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, on March 24, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]