Vodafone Fijian 7s captain Osea Kolinisau believes there will be tough games ahead after beating England 28-17 in Dubai yesterday.

It was the perfect start to the 2015-16 World Sevens Series that Fiji needed not only to defend their title as World 7s champions but to keep that momentum going until the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

With nine more legs to go, Kolinisau said it would be tough but they were just thankful for winning in Dubai.

“It is an amazing feeling when you get to win a tournament, especially in Dubai in front of so many fans,” Kolinisau said.

“There’s a feeling of relief in the team. The game of 7s is getting harder, there are no easy games ahead and we are grateful to have won here.”

Fiji is pooled with Argentina, Scotland and Russia in Cape Town.

Fiji plays Scotland on Sunday at 9:59pm, Russia at 1:20am Monday morning followed by Argentina 5:03am.

Fiji beat New Zealand 19-5 in the semifinal after trailing 5-0 at halftime.

In the second-half the Fijians fought back with tries from Viliame Mata, Pio Tuwai, and Jasa Veremalua with Vatemo Ravouvou and captain Osea Kolinisau adding two points each from the conversions.

With England’s disposal of USA beating them 28-19, they had yet another hurdle to overcome facing the World Series Champions in the final.

England got off to a good start with a try from Tom Bowen in the fourth minute and a successful conversion by Daniel Bibby put them in a 7-0 lead.

But Fiji settled quickly into the game scoring four tries from Savenaca Rawaca, Jasa Veremalua, Isake Katonibau and Vatemo Ravouvou to give Fiji a 28-7 lead at halftime.

Fiji’s defence was put to the test but Bowen’s second try and a try from Phil Burgess and two missed conversions by Bibby was not enough for the English men to overcome Fiji.

Teams head to Cape Town where Fiji is pooled with Argentina, Scotland and Russia.

Feedback: justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj