The Fiji men's sevens team have vanquished a couple of demons en-route to winning the latest round of the World Series in Cape Town.
Fiji players celebrate winning the Cape Town Sevens. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
The Fijians hit top gear in the final against the United States as captain Kalione Nasoko, Vilimoni Botitu and Sevuloni Mocenacagi found the tryline to open up a 17-0 half-time buffer.
Botitu added another try early in the second spell to stretch the lead to 22 points before Ben Pinkelman finally got the USA on the board.
Nasoko put the result beyond doubt with his second try of the match before Pinkleman and Carlin Isles scored a couple of late consolation efforts for the Americans to bring the final score to 29-15.
Fiji's final success avenges their defeat to the USA in the Cup quarter finals last weekend in Dubai, while it also marks their first tournament victory on South African soil for 13 years.
Head coach Gareth Baber said it was an important victory.
"It's been a long-time coming here for the Fijians to win in Cape Town. We were disappointed last week that we didn't manage to perform to the levels that we've done this week," he said.
"And that's what makes me most proud that these boys have done everything for their families back home, obviously for the country of Fiji and the lord as well."
"Fijian fans are everywhere in the world wherever we travel and we say a big thank you for all those people who make an effort to come and support us. We've had some battles here this weekend - most notably probably South Africa in that semi final - but all credit to the players and the staff concerned with our team, they've manned up."
Fiji's Waisea Nacuqu breaks through the Blitzboks defence. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
After breezing through pool play on day one, the Fijians thumped Spain 46-7 in the Cup quarter finals.
Alosio Naduva scored a last-ditch try to pip hosts South Africa 17-12 in the semi finals, despite being reduced to six players for the final minute of the match following Vatemo Ravouvou's yellow card.
Pacific rivals Samoa finished 10th in Cape Town after losing the Challenge Trophy final to Argentina 38-14.
Despite beating New Zealand in pool play, the Manu Sevens were denied a spot in the Cup quarter finals for the second week in a row, with South Africa and the All Blacks Sevens advancing thanks to a superior points differential.
Samoa rebounded to beat Wales 31-26 in and France 31-7 on day two but were unable to repeat their Challenge Trophy victory from Dubai, although Alamanda Motuga was named as the "Impact Player" of the tournament.
Samoa's Alatasi Tupou races away from the Wales defence. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
The World Series now takes a seven-week break before resuming in New Zealand at the end of January.
A second straight runners-up finish gives the USA a one point lead atop the standings from Dubai champions New Zealand, with Fiji a further two points adrift in third place while Samoa drop to 10th overall.