Fiji overturned a 15-0 half-time deficit to successfully defend their USA Sevens Cup title in sensational fashion ©World Rugby

Fiji overturned a 15-0 half-time deficit against Australia to successfully defend their USA Sevens Cup title in round five of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. 

Having not won since the opening tournament in Dubai, two tries from Kitione Taliga and one from Savenaca Rawaca, plus three crucial conversions from Vatemo Ravouvou, proved the difference as Fiji triumphed 21-15 in front of 25,981 fans. 

In a pulsating final, Sam Myers began proceedings for Australia before captain Ed Jenkins and Cameron Clark took their lead to 15-0 at the break. 

Three missed conversions proved ultimately costly for the Australians as they finished runners-up for a second successive tournament.

The Fiji players dedicated their win to the victims of Cyclone Winston, which tore through the island nation on February 20 and killed more than 40 people.

"One week after Cyclone Winston struck we went back into camp and all the players said we were going to play here in Vegas," said captain Osea Kolinisau, named player of the final.

"I reminded the boys this week that we needed to remember the people back home who were victims of Cyclone Winston and that we needed to give them something to be happy about after all the devastation.

"To come up against Australia like that was tough, but we said 10 minutes is a long time and all we needed to do was to get back the ball to have a chance to win."

Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau was named the player of the final
Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau was named the player of the final ©World Rugby Sevens/Twitter

Fiji's win gives them a five-point lead at the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series standings, ahead of South Africa on 86 and New Zealand on 82, at the halfway stage.

Australia are fourth with the United States, who finished fourth in Las Vegas after losing to South Africa in the third place play-off, sitting fifth.

The US lost 21-14 against Fiji in the semi-finals and South Africa fell to a 14-12 defeat at the hands of Australia.

Fresh from two Cup wins on the trot, New Zealand had to settle for the plate this time round after beating Japan 27-7.

The All Blacks Sevens had earlier beaten Argentina 24-19 following Japan’s 19-14 victory against Kenya.

Wales proved too strong for France in the bowl final as they ran in four tries to win 28-14.

The Welsh overcame Scotland 21-14 to earn the right to contest the showdown after France had edged Russia 15-14.

Samoa walked away with the shield after beating Canada 24-12.

Canada defeated England 24-7 in the semi-finals prior to Samoa’s 29-14 win against Portugal.

The next round of the World Rugby Sevens Series is due to take place in Canadian city Vancouver next Saturday and Sunday (March 12 and 13).