Fiji claim Vegas title; SA still top

Fiji defeated New Zealand 35-19 in Sunday's championship match in Round Five of the World Series.

Fiji, who also won the United States crown in 2007, inflicted the fifth finals loss in the past six years for the Kiwis – who lost twice before to both South Africa and Samoa.

Both finalists close the gap on series leaders South Africa, with just seven points now separating the top three.

The BlitzBokke maintain their place in first with 93 series points, with New Zealand (88) and Fiji (86) in second and third respectively as the series passed the halfway stage in Las Vegas.

The hosts, US, received 15 points and move up to sixth in the series standings after finishing fourth at the Sam Boyd Stadium, while Australia's Plate final win over England gives them a three point cushion over England in fourth as the race for Olympic qualification continues.

Elsewhere Kenya beat Argentina to win the Bowl and Portugal defeat Wales in the Shield final.

Cup Final: New Zealand 19-35 Fiji

Fiji turned on the heat against New Zealand running out convincing 35-19 winners in the Cup Final.

"It means a lot for us. We've talked about improving our defence and discipline and today it has paid off," said captain Osea Kolinisau, who missed the Final through injury.

"One of the strengths of the team is that we are in this together and we proved that this weekend."

Fiji's Vatemo Ravouvou scooped up a loose ball in his own half before offloading to Tuwai, who out-sprinted the defence to score for a 7-0 lead.

Tuwai found space again soon after, this time within the attacking 22, extending the lead to 14-0 before a Savenaca Rawaca try closed out a near perfect first half for the Pacific islanders.

Both sides traded tries early in the second-half, New Zealand's Jack Goodhue responding to a Semi Kunatani try before Kunatani stretched out for his second for a 35-5 lead, ensuring the win for Ben Ryan's men.

Joe Webber picked up a late double for the All Black Sevens reducing the final margin to 16 points.

Third/fourth play-off: United States 0-31South Africa

South Africa produced their best form of the tournament – the free-flowing, attacking game that served them so well earlier in the series.

Maybe it was because the pressure was off, or maybe they finally clicked – but the passes suddenly stuck.

Frankie Horne, Albertus Smith and Cecil Afrika scored first-half tries, with Africa adding two conversions – for the BlitzBokke to take a 19-0 lead into the break.

Further tries by Afrika and Ryno Benjamin sealed the deal in a game where the hosts, the US, had their moments but never seriously threatened the South Africans.

Plate Final: England 14-21 Australia

Australia beat England 21-14, dominating possession early on to score three tries – through skipper Ed Jenkins, Lewis Holland and Con Foley.

An Alex Gray flick-pass sent Charlie Hayter across the stripe on the stroke of half-time for England to trail 7-21.

England were within striking distance when Tom Mitchell broke through, racing 40 metres to score.

However, Australia held to pick up a valuable 13 series points and retain fourth place in the race for automatic Olympic qualification –  extending their margin over fifth-placed England to three points.

Bowl Final: Kenya 24-21 Argentina

Kenya beat Argentina 24-21, scoring three second-half tries.

In a tight first half Bush Mwale scored for the Africans, before Santiago Alvarez levelled.

A double from Tony Opondo and Mwale's second opened the match up for the Kenyans, before Segundo Tuculet and Francisco Merello struck back late for Argentina, but it was Kenya who claimed eight series points.

"It was a good game," said Opondo.

"The Argentines were really tough in attack and we needed to make up for losing to them in the pool stages in the last few rounds. This win also makes up for losing to Fiji here last year."

Shield Final: Wales 12-19 Portugal

Portugal beat Wales 19-12 to win the Shield Final, after leading 12-0 at half-time – courtesy of an Aderito Esteves brace.

Nuno Guedes scored early in the second half extending the lead, before Wales hit back with two late tries from Jason Harries and Luke Morgan.

"We didn't play well on the second day but it's important for us to win a final at the end of the weekend. Even with the injuries, we continue to play like brothers," said Portugal's Pedro Leal after the win.