By James Crook

164509077March 24 - Fiji have retained their Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens title in dramatic fashion after coming back from a 19-0 half-time deficit to win 26-19 against Wales, thanks in large part to a hat-trick of tries from substitute Osea Kolinisau.


Second-half substitute Kolinisau ran-in two quick-fire tries before bagging a third to secure victory for Fiji, closing the gap at the top of the HSBC Sevens World Series to 25 points between themselves and neighbours New Zealand with three rounds to go.

Elsewhere, Samoa defeated Canada to lift the Plate, England overcame host Hong Kong to win the Bowl, and France won the shield after beating Argentina.

Series leaders New Zealand finished third after thrashing Kenya 36-5 in the third-placed game.

164509067Fiji match-winner Osea Kolinisau celebrates after his team produced a stunning comeback to defeat Wales 26-19 in the final

With just three rounds to go, to be held in Japan, Scotland and England, New Zealand's 25-point lead looks unassailable at this stage, and it would take a spectacular collapse from the All Blacks to deny them the title.

The next instalment of the series is due to take place this weekend at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground in Tokyo.

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