Samoa’s men and Australia’s women had cause to celebrate on Saturday after claiming the Oceania Sevens titles and securing their passage to Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in the process.
Led by their inspirational captain Uale Mai, Samoa were ruthless throughout the two days of the Oceania regional qualifier at Apia Park and overwhelmed Tonga 52-0 in the final, much to the delight of the large home crowd.
Samoa ran with purpose and captivated the crowd with their power and ability to secure so many of their own kick-offs, having scored the opening try after only 30 seconds through Ofisa Treviranus.
Tries from Alatasi Tupou (2) and Alafoti Fa’osiliva gave Samoa a 26-0 lead at half time and the hosts were just as dangerous after the break with Treviranus, Fa’osiliva, Afa Aiono and David Lemi all touching down in the victory.
Tonga also secure safe passage to Dubai by virtue of reaching the final so will compete at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai from 5-7 March.
Samoa beat the Cook Islands 34-0 in their semi with two tries from Lemi and Tonga battled past surprise last four side Niue 22-5.
Uale Mai leads the Siva Tau - Samoa's haka - to celebrate their victory over Tonga - Photo: Bruce Southwick/Zoomfiji
The men’s third place playoff was another thriller with tries from William Marsters, Nathan Robinson and Ione Ione in the second half enough to see Cook Islands overcome Niue 33-15.
Papua New Guinea had seen their RWC Sevens dreams end with defeat to Niue in the pool stages, but they bounced back to claim the Plate title with a 19-12 defeat of Solomon Islands after scoring the only try of the second half.
In the seventh place playoff Vanuatu finished the Oceania Sevens on a high with a 24-0 victory over Tahiti with tries from Koko Kalsal, Anro Kalpukai, Romiti Usamoli and James Kalsam.
For more information visit www.oceaniarugby.com.
