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Samoa warmed up for next two IRB Sevens World Series events in Wellington (6-7 February) and San Diego (14-15 February) with a comfortable defence of their Punta del Este crown. The Islanders ran out winners 34-14 winners over Argentina in the Cup Final at this annual event in Uruguay.

A total of eight international teams were amongst the 24-team competition, all trying to build some form and confidence ahead a busy schedule of IRB Sevens World Series events in Wellington and San Diego.

The Italians impressed all in their run to the Cup semi final before losing out to Argentina 22-12. Earlier Samoa faced their toughest test of the day facing a resurgent club side URBA, eventually battling past the Argentine outfit 14-12.

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 giving the Islanders a healthy cushion.

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.

In the plate competition Pacific rivals Tonga also warmed up for the Wellington Sevens in style, storming to success in the Plate final against local invitational side Lobos Moby Dick 26-12.