Story highlights Fiji 38-0 USA in Hamilton Sevens final

Third time in a row USA finishes runners-up

US boss Friday praises "better team" Fiji

(CNN) Three tournaments, three finals, but still no trophy for the USA.

It was once again a firing Fijian side that thwarted the Eagles in the showpiece game as the rugby sevens circuit visited Hamilton, New Zealand.

Despite an emphatic 38-0 loss in Sunday's final, Mike Friday's side can still reflect on what is comfortably the best ever start to a season for the USA, which reached its third consecutive final courtesy of hard-fought wins over Scotland and New Zealand in the knockout stages at Hamilton.

The result means the two finalists now share the spoils at the top of the overall rankings on 57 points, with the All Blacks third on 54.

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Let's just take a minute to appreciate just how good this try was from @fijirugby pic.twitter.com/Wu9USmpSDL — World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019

Fiji proved excellent value throughout the tournament, showcasing trademark skill, flair, and speed on the way to backing up the victory secured in Cape Town at the end of last year.