Samoa overcame another IRB Sevens World Series regular Argentina to capture the top prize at a high-class Punta del Este Sevens in Uruguay at the weekend.
The islanders triumphed 34-14 against Argentina in the final to defend the title they won a year ago. The win also kick-starts their preparations ahead of the next two IRB Sevens World Series events in Wellington (6-7 February) and San Diego (14-15 February), as well as the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in March.
Pacific rivals Tonga also warmed up for the NZI Sevens in style, storming to success in the Plate final against local invitational side Lobos Moby Dick 26-12.
International cast
Eight international sides were involved the 24-team competition, the hosts Uruguay joined by Chile and Argentina from South America, while Samoa, Tonga and Fiji from Oceania were all warming up for the third Series event.
The West Indies took their place in Pool F, while Italy took the opportunity to gain valuable match practice ahead of the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
The Italians impressed, winning through to the Cup semi finals, where they lost out to Argentina 22-12, while Samoa beat Argentine club side URBA 14-12 to reach the 'Oro' (Gold) final.
In the Cup final the Samoans dominated from the outset with a star cast of World Series regulars. Alafoti Fa'osiliva, Reupena Levasa and Alatasi Tupou each touched down for a 19-0 half-time lead to all but guarantee a successful title defence.
After the break Tupou scored again to put the Samoans 24-0 ahead and, although former national team captain Lucio López Fleming brought some respectability to the scoreline at 24-7, Tom Iosefo and Morgan Salesa each crossed to rubber-stamp the victory before a final try for the Pumas made it 34-14.
Samoa's attentions now turn to next month’s NZI Sevens at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, where they will line up against Fiji, USA and Cook Islands in Pool D on day one on 6 February.
Runners up in Wellington in 2007, Samoa will be looking for their star-studded squad to show an improvement and better the Plate final success in Dubai and Plate semi final loss to England in George a week later with only two months to go until RWC Sevens 2009.
Click here for more information on the fixtures and pools in Wellington.