Fiji triumph, Blitzboks secure Olympic spot

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Fiji beat Australia 43-7 to win the Cup final at the London Sevens, while the Blitzboks ensured that they will automatically qualify for the Olympics despite a disappointing finish on Sunday.

Even though they lost to Australia in the Cup quarter-finals, and followed that up with a last-minute 21-17 loss to New Zealand in the fifth-place semi-final, the Blitzboks were still able to secure fourth place on the overall World Rugby Sevens Series table, and by doing so, qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games.

The South Africans were aided by a poor performance from England, who were hot on their trail, but were beaten by Japan in the 13th-place final.

Meanwhile, Fiji ensured that the race to win the 2018-19 Sevens Series would go down to the final tournament in Paris after beating Australia in the Cup final.

A hat-trick from Aminiasi Tuimaba, to go with a brace from Josua Vakurunabili and tries from Vilimoni Botitu and Alasio Naduva, gave Fiji the victory, despite Australia hitting back through second-half efforts from Joe Pincus.

Fiji have now overtaken the USA, who were ahead by just three points on the overall table, setting up a thrilling finale in Paris.

Photo: Blitzboks/Twitter

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Dylan Jack