Fiji Conducts a Masterclass at Hong Kong Sevens

In a thrilling Final, Fiji won the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the premier event in the 9-tournament IRB Sevens World Series.

Down 19-0 at half time, Fiji came back to beat Wales 26-19.

Commentators around the world described Fiji’s 26-0 second half as “a rugby masterclass.” They are the first team to win two Finals this year.

Further, Fiji beat world-series competition leader New Zealand to get to the Final.

As fireworks brought the 38th Hong Kong sevens to a close, the packed crowd continued to sing and dance, while tearful Fiji players dedicated the victory to the children of Fiji.

Wales, a sevens minnow, almost replicated the efforts of their 15-a-side peers, who had won the Six Nations title by beating England in Cardiff a week earlier.

The success of the Hong Kong Sevens led to the starting of the international IRB Sevens World Series, which has led to sevens being included as an Olympic Games event.

Hong Kong is the sixth of the nine tournaments in the current series—and the most famous.

The success of the Hong Kong Sevens is largely due to the spectators, who turn the event into a 3-day rugby celebration.

The packed stands rise like a canyon around the ground, amplifying the crowd.

It was Fiji’s 14th Hong Kong title. They are the crowd favourite, because of their exciting play and because of the way they conduct themselves.

In victory, there was no talk of goals or personal achievements. Players dedicated the victory to the children—extolling the virtues of hard work and dedication—while thanking God for giving them the opportunity to play.

Wales coach Paul John gave respect to Fiji’s legendary stature, by saying: “We lived with Fiji … we were 19-0 up …”

Wales, who were playing in their first-ever Cup Final, took that 19-0 lead into the halftime break.

Fiji scored three tries in two minutes from halftime, with Osea Kolinisau the catalyst. The 27-year-old was substituted on in the break and had an immediate impact, scoring two quick tries and, later just before the final whistle, a third for a hat-trick.

Peter Lalanaabaravi is a rugby writer with over 30 years experience.

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