Facing Samoa in the final, following their upset 24-14 win over New Zealand in the last four, Fiji held on 19-14 to claim the crown for the first time since 2006.

The fourth leg of the series takes place in Las Vegas next weekend.

Fiji, who accounted for England in the semi-finals, took the early lead with a try for Jiuta Lutumailagi which Emosi Vucago converted.

But Mikaele Pesamino, who got the decisive intercept try in the win over New Zealand, struck back for Samoa when he dived on his own kick ahead and Uale Mai added the extras to leave the teams locked 7-7 at the break.

Early in the second half Vucago danced through the Samoan defence to dot down under the posts and convert for a 14-7 lead.

Kolinisau then provided the sparkling finish to a good team try as Fiji showed their customary flair, spinning the ball wide to Kolinisau who dropped it onto his foot then won the race to it to score.

Samoa, who were without their suspended captain Lolo Lui, refused to give up though and Pesamino took an inside pass from Waisale Beci to score under the posts to set up tense final few minutes.

England's hopes of retaining the title they won last year were ended in a four-tries-to-three loss to Fiji earlier in the day.

Trailing 21-7 at the break they simply had too much ground to make up and eventually went down 28-19.