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A superb performance from Fiji saw them take a stunning NZI Sevens victory over South Pacific rivals Samoa in the Cup Final in Wellington.

Tries from Osea Kolinisau, Jiuta Lutumailagi, and captain Emosi Vucago gave Fiji the maximum 24 points at the IRB Sevens World Series event.

Earlier in the day Samoa had stunned hosts New Zealand with a stirring 24-14 win to shock the Wespact Stadium. Fiji took an early lead in the tournament’s finale when a great break by Osea Kolinisau set up Jiuta Lutumailagi.

But Mikaele Pesamino, who got the key intercept try in the semi-final win over New Zealand, struck back for Samoa winning the race to his kick to make it 7-7 at the break.

Early in the second half Lutumailagi linked with Vucago who raced under the posts for a key score.

The impressive Osea Kolinisau's finished a sweeping team move to put the Fijians 19-7 up with two and half minutes to go. But Samoa responded with another Pesamino try to close the gap yet again. Resolute Fiji tackling kept their opponents at bay and gave Iliesa Tanivula’s men a deserved victory.

Fiji’s success means the gap at the top of the IRB Sevens is cut to four with New Zealand still top of the log, with five events remaining.

"It's a great feeling to get there, there's been a lot of hard work by the players to get there, as with all the other teams. To come out on top is great for the fans, they've been here for two days, they've been really vocal and I guess it's for everyone," said coach Tanivula speaking to the IRB.

"There's that island rivalry with Samoa. They're always up there, they're always physical," he added.

Mai stuns New Zealand

A young England side will take heart from a brave performance against the Fijians in the semi-final but were undone by some ruthless finishing and powerful runs from the likes of Burotu and Tuwai, giving them a 28-19 win.

Uale Mai’s hat-trick was the story of the other semi-final, with Samoa blitzing Gordon Tietjen’s New Zealand in front of 30,000 disappointed fans.

Samoa had to come from behind to beat Kenya in the quarter-finals with Fiji overcoming South Africa for the third consecutive tournament. England finally put away a courageous Canada to make it to the last four with New Zealand winning the Trans-Tasman clash with Australia in the first quarter-final of the day.

Australia won their second Plate of the season with late Clinton Sills try undoing Paul Treu’s Boks 26-22 in a see-saw affair.

Wales won their third Bowl trophy of the season overcoming France 7-5 with Arron Bramwell getting on the score-sheet.

The USA enjoyed their 17-14 win in the Shield over Tonga, with scores from Matt Hawkins, Nick Edwards and Paul Emerick giving the US side confidence heading into their home leg in Las Vegas next weekend.

Day 2 - As it Happened -LIVE TEXT

Check out all the photos from on and off the pitch in Wellington

Day 2 Fixtures & Results:

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Bowl QF: Wales 31 PNG 12

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Bowl QF: Argentina 17 Tonga 7

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Bowl QF: USA 21 France 12

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Bowl QF: Scotland 12 Nieu 17

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Cup QF: New Zealand 24 Australia 12

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Cup QF: Samoa 14 Kenya 12

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Cup QF: England 31 Canada 0

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Cup QF: Fiji 21 South Africa 5

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Shield SF: Papua New Guinea 12 Tonga 26

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Shield SF: USA 19 Scotland 12

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Bowl SF: Wales 17 Argentina 12

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Bowl SF: France 28 Nieu 19

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Plate SF: Australia 26 Kenya 17

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Plate SF: Canada 5 South Africa 29

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Cup SF: New Zealand 14 Samoa 24

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Cup SF: England 19 Fiji 28

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Shield Final: Tonga 14 USA 17

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Bowl Final: Wales 7 France 5

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Plate Final: Australia 26 South Africa 22

NZI Sevens, Wellington – Cup Final: Samoa 14 Fiji 19