Apolosi Satala scored four tries to lead Fiji to a 27-22 victory over New Zealand in the final of the World Sevens tournament at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya Stadium on Sunday.
With the win, the Fijians widened their lead over archrival New Zealand in the series to six points, with just the finale in Paris to come. If Fiji advances to the final of the Paris tournament, which is scheduled for May 27-28, it will take the title. The final offers 20 points to the winner and 16 for the runnerup.
"We wanted to win the match today because we lost (to New Zealand) last year here and last week in Hong Kong," Fiji coach Peni Veidreyaki said.
The final was a battle between New Zealand's quick movement and Fiji's fine pass work. Trailing 17-12 at halftime, Fiji's Satala broke free to tie the scores with a try two minutes after the break, and a minute later, the Fijians intercepted a Kiwi move, allowing Satala to go over again.
Ratu Temesia Kamaia further extended the lead to 27-17 before the Kiwis reduced the deficit on Justin Wilson's try with four minutes left to play. But it was too little, too late as Fiji held on for victory.
Japan defeated Papua New Guinea 26-14 in the plate final. Samoa won the Bowl by edging South Korea 19-12.