Fijians Bring Old School Magic Back to Hong Kong

It was a momentous weekend of rugby and social fun in Hong Kong last weekend for Pilgrims at the annual mecca of Sevens rugby, Hong Kong. Set in the current economic climate, there werre several notable sponsors missing this year, such as the brothers Lehman and AIG.

True, the famous party central that is the south stand took a while to fill up in 2009, but the action on the pitch more than made up for the doom and gloom that preceded the tournament.

In fact, all three days saw the party atmosphere in full swing, and many still made the annual trip from all corners of the world, and what a great party it was!

Of course the fun, the costumes and ridiculous amounts of beer were not the main attraction to Hong Kong - it was the sevens, and true to form, the 2009 tournament was one to remember, and certainly one for the underdog.

For the top teams of England, South Africa, New Zealand and Fiji, Hong Kong presented a grand opportunity to put their reputations back on track after a disappointing World Cup in Dubai just a forth night earlier.

England certainly looked the part in the early stages, with Tom Vardel making a return to sevens duty and scoring a brace of tries against the likes of China and Korea. England also showed they meant business with a 24 - 12 pounding of World Cup Sevens holders Wales on the end of day two, which relegated Wales to the lower plate competition for Sunday.

New Zealand looked good in parts, especially against weaker opposition. The highly regarded Victor Vito only seemed to want to use his destructive pace and strength selectively, and while they looked on form, there was this lingering feeling something was going to happen.

And it did—day three quarter finals saw the powerful New Zealand against the underdog Kenya—a team that had not beaten New Zealand in 10 years of regylar IRB sevens competition.

New Zealand scored first within minutes of the start, and the form book looked to be on track for New Zealand to make the final. Someone forgot to tell the competitive Kenyans though, late in the First half Innocent Simiyu scored a try to close the gap.

New Zealand looked off the pace and no matter how hard they tried to batter their way through, seemed to come short each time.

Simiyu scored with the close of the second half to close the game with a 10-7 upset win over the New Zealand seven, making it two straight quarter semi final exit for a team that has such high expectations going into every tournament it plays.

The Keyans rejoiced like they just won the cup, and rightfully so for such a spirited performance.

Fiji had come into the tournament as the bigest underdogs. clearing house after their dismal world cup performance in Dubai, sacking world sevens legend Waisale Serevi in the lead up to that preparation with players allegedly unhappy with his position as player coach.

New coach Iliesa Tanivula brought a new-look squad to Hong Kong, axing his overseas-based stars who crashed out in this month's World Cup quarter-finals. The Fijians that landed in Hong Kong were all picked from the local Fijian league, and only two of the team of 12 had previous international experience.

That perceived inexperience did not seem to hamper the Fijians though, as they romped their way to a quarter final match against England. They matched crowd and tournament favourites Engalnd all through the game.

England looked menacing and scored early, but a quick try and a drop goal at the death gave the Fijians a stunning 10 - 7 win. They then went on to dispatch the plucky Kenyans 24 - 7 and awaited the final opponents as day turned to night and Hong Kong awaited a fitting end to a spectacular weekend.

South Africa has had a marvelous season in the IRB Sevens circuit bar its performances in the world cup, and all tournament long looked the pick of the crop to win the Hong Kong sevens. Coach Paul Treu has high standards for his team and they looked strong and disciplined in steamrolling Australia and Samoa to the finals against Fiji.

It must be said that in recent years, Fiji has lost some of its magic that made them so famous in the world of sevens.

Those basketball style passes, the no look pass and the laid back running style seemed to have been replaced by one on one showmanship as each player depended more on individual skill rather than combining it with teamwork.

This is what the Fiji team of 2009 brought back to the Hong Kong sevens, where they first showed the world their brand of exiting and wondrous rugby skills.

The stage was set for a great final, as Fiji and South Africa lined up to end a wonderous weekend. Stong direct sevens of South Africa vs the free flowing play of the Fijians. Two tries from Emosi Vucago and another from Osea Kolinisau put Fiji 19-0 up before South Africa's Renfred Dazel and Robert Ebersohn pulled it back to 19-12 at half-time.

Seremaia Burotu skipped past three tackles to score early in the second half but indiscipline nearly cost Fiji dearly as both Nasoni Roko and Vereniki Goneva were sin-binned.

South Africa scored through Vuyo Zangqa and then Lionel Mapoe after the hooter to give them a chance to force extra time. But captain Mzwandile Stick pushed the vital conversion attempt right.

"Back home we were written off by our fans but it worked in our favour," an elated Tanivula was quoted in the local Hong Kong press.

"There were no expectations. It gave us motivation to do better. Fijians around the world didn't give us a chance but all credit to the boys, I take my hat off to them."

Indeed as a spectator, it was great to see the Fijians back to the form which made me fall in love with sevens rugby. The one handed jinks and runs brought the crowd to their feet, and truly sevens rugby is better for it.

Thanks Hong Kong for a great weekend as always and see you in 2010.