Jerry Tuwai has added the Melrose Cup (Rugby World Cup Sevens title) to his list of achievements.

The veteran halfback and double Olympic Games gold medallists, guided the Fiji Airways Fijian men’s 7s side to a 29-12 win over the All Blacks Sevens side in the final at Cape Town, South Africa, this morning.

“I’m speaking on behalf of the captain (Waisea Nacuqu),” the humble Tuwai said after the final as Nacuqu was injured early in the second half and was replaced by Philipo Bukayaro.

“The boys worked hard for the World Cup and playing New Zealand in the final is not easy. I thank our families and everyone in Fiji for supporting us in prayers.”

The Fijians started strongly with two early tries to Joseva Talacolo and Kaminieli Rasaku with Nacuqu landing a conversion for a 12-0 lead. Moses Leo scored for New Zealand with the conversion missing, 12-5.

Then another two quick tries to Elia Canakaivata and Filipe Sauturaga pushed Fiji further ahead as they led 24-5 at halftime.

New Zealand replied with a try to Akuila Rokolisoa before Fiji’s Talacolo and Sevuloni Mocenacagi got yellow cards for professional fouls.

The Fiji defence was strong as they pushed New Zealand back and Rokolisoa copped a yellow card for a high hit.

Fiji kept the pressure before Bukayaro slipped through the defence to score the final try.

Meanwhile, the Australian side held on to their lead as they edged New Zealand 24-22 to win the women’s World Cup 7s title. The Rusila Nagasau-captained Fijiana side finished a disappointing fifth in the competition.

Jerry Tuwai has added the Melrose Cup (Rugby World Cup Sevens title) to his list of achievements.

The veteran halfback and double Olympic Games gold medallists, guided the Fiji Airways Fijian men’s 7s side to a 29-12 win over the All Blacks Sevens side in the final at Cape Town, South Africa, this morning.

“I’m speaking on behalf of the captain (Waisea Nacuqu),” the humble Tuwai said after the final as Nacuqu was injured early in the second half and was replaced by Philipo Bukayaro.

“The boys worked hard for the World Cup and playing New Zealand in the final is not easy. I thank our families and everyone in Fiji for supporting us in prayers.”

The Fijians started strongly with two early tries to Joseva Talacolo and Kaminieli Rasaku with Nacuqu landing a conversion for a 12-0 lead. Moses Leo scored for New Zealand with the conversion missing, 12-5.

Then another two quick tries to Elia Canakaivata and Filipe Sauturaga pushed Fiji further ahead as they led 24-5 at halftime.

New Zealand replied with a try to Akuila Rokolisoa before Fiji’s Talacolo and Sevuloni Mocenacagi got yellow cards for professional fouls.

The Fiji defence was strong as they pushed New Zealand back and Rokolisoa copped a yellow card for a high hit.

Fiji kept the pressure before Bukayaro slipped through the defence to score the final try.

Meanwhile, the Australian side held on to their lead as they edged New Zealand 24-22 to win the women’s World Cup 7s title.

The Rusila Nagasau-captained Fijiana side finished a disappointing fifth in the competition.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj