Australia have lost London Sevens final to a scintillating Fiji side, who defended their title and returned to the top of the world series ladder.

The Fijians were too polished for Australia in the final, winning 43-7 after leading 24-0 at halftime at Twickenham on Sunday.

Fiji came to London trailing only the United States by three points in the world series, and go to the final round in Paris next weekend leading by two.

But the Fijians won’t be underestimating the task of claiming a first world series since 2016. They led into Paris last year, crumbled, and watched South Africa win the Paris Sevens and the series.

The Americans were leading the series until London, where they lost to Fiji 17-10 in a thrilling semi-final. They finished third to ensure the 10-leg series will be decided on the last day in Paris.

Vilimoni Botitu’s second line break of the final earned him the opening try in the third minute, and then it became the Aminiasi Tuimaba show, as he scored a hat trick in six minutes to halftime. Meli Derenalagi featured in all three with incredible offloads to earn the man of the match award.

Australia finally hit back after halftime through Ben O’Donnell setting up Joe Pincus.

But Fiji ruled to the end.

Josua Vakurunabili stole an Australia throw-in to score, then set up Alasio Naduva’s first try, moments after Naduva was denied by video replay which showed he stepped in touch.

Fiji garnished the final with a seventh and last stunning try when Livai Ikanikoda took the restart leaping high and sent Naduva haring away to the try-line to complete the biggest winning margin in a London final in 13 years.

“It’s pretty special when you see it like that,” Fiji coach Gareth Baber said.

“That’s exactly how we want to see rugby played.”