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Dubai 7s (Men)
2024-25
Scores
Tables
Rnd 1
Rnd 2
Rnd 3
QFs
SFs
Finals
ESP vs FIJ
Dubai 7s (Men)
The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Spain 7s (Men)
vs
Fiji 7s (Men)
5
FT
19
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 5 - 19
It's a huge relief for Fiji to come away with another series win, and of course it means they will also go into round two as top seeds. Spain can also be massively proud of what they've pulled off here this weekend as they take the silver. On we roll to Cape Town next weekend!
But Fiji, being Fiji, barely needed an inch to turn things around. They capitalised on one of those handling errors in the first half to get themselves on the board, and although they went to the break level that shift in momentum carried through into the second half. Fiji strung together phase after phase, pinned Spain back down in their own half, and broke through spaces that no one else would really consider spaces to get themselves pulling away on the scoreboard.
Spain started off strong in the first half, having figured out that the key to unsettling Fiji was to deprive them of ball. They held the majority of possession and territory in the first half, spreading it around well and getting themselves down into the right areas of the pitch thanks to some great little breaks. Unfortunately for them there were just a couple of messy passes that undid their momentum and prevented them from converting a couple of opportunities into points.
And despite the loss, Spain can be unbelievably proud of the weekend they've had here, making their first ever Cup final and looking in the first half like they might cause the upset of the century against the Flying Fijians! This is the only side that managed to beat Spain all weekend in Dubai, with some big names -- including New Zealand, TWICE -- knocked over by the European side on their way to the final.
It's been a very long wait for Fiji, but they are finally back on the top step in Sevens! Despite their storied history in this sport, it's been a whopping 22 tournaments since Fiji last took a title, and they will be beyond delighted to have broken that streak and started their 2024-25 season on a high here in the desert!
14'
Scrum called! Spain spread it infield, but they're being clattered in the tackles here! One of those forces the ball loose, and it's hacked over the sideline to bring the final whistle!
14'
Spain tap and go! Wide through the hands to the left wing where Bozal bursts up to Fiji's 22 where they get the penalty at the breakdown.
14'
Naduvalo to the bin for the knock down.
14'
V. Naduvalo