Can Fiji back up from their impressive win in Hong Kong and win in Tokyo as well?
YES! they certainly can.
And anyone who watched the Hong Kong Sevens over the weekend will agree with me because Fiji were unstoppable.
They were precise and powerful at the breakdown, clean at the set piece and devastating out wide. They were also uncompromising on defense and played with considerable tactical nous when it counted most.
All the talk before the tournament was about whether Fiji had the right mix – the right TEAM – rather than the best individual players the tiny Pacific Island nation has available.
New Zealand Sevens great Eric Rush stopped over in Fiji en route to Kong Hong. He warned that Fiji have ‘got so much talent that they change the team all the time,’ and that this was not good for team cohesion.
There were two experienced players left out or injured including Emosi Vucago and Osea Kolinisau. And there were 6 new players in the playing squad of 12.
But Fiji gelled right from the start.
Nikola Matawalu played superbly out wide burning defenders and scoring almost at will throughout the 3 days, earning him the Player of the Tournament honour.
Metuisela Talebula guided the attack around the field with flair and precision.
Added to the rock solid and consistent performances of Joeli Lutumailagi and Stephano Cakau, Fiji were truly awesome.
What does history say?
Fiji have won 2 events in this year’s series, something they have not managed since the 2008-09 season when they won in Hong Kong and Edinburgh.
They have not won back-to-back tournaments since the 2005-06 season – Fiji’s only series win.
So what could possibly go wrong from here?
I was travelling with several Fijians on Air Pacific from Hong Kong and their concern was the potential for complacency.
The issue was that Fiji might not have the right focus after winning in Hong Kong. They may take too long to get their feet on the ground and get their heads back into hard-work mode.
On the positive side, Fiji have 6 new young players and 4-5 veterans. It’s a very very talented mix.
If they continue to play their natural open, running style and are able to defend with venom, Fiji may just pull off their second win in 10 days and the 2011-2012 series may yet be theirs.
Of course there are going to be 12 Samoans smarting from their quarter final exit, 12 Kiwis and a decent coach strategising how to bring the Fijians down, South Africans and Australians biting at their heels.
Bring on Tokyo!
4 must dos when you are in Hong Kong for the Sevens (and aren’t planning on venturing too far)
Filed under Commentary, Hong Kong, IRB Sevens Series by Maru on March 31, 2012 at 2:23 am {no comments}I’ve only been twice (2010, 2012) and I did not venture from Hong Kong Island either time so this is not exactly a well-crafted list but it may be useful if you’re going for the first time and just plan to hang out in and around the Causeway Bay and Wan Chai areas (the closest areas to the stadium).
Note – I have not received any money (yet) from any of the businesses mentioned here.
1. Get some custom-made shirts from a local tailor
I had several friends and relatives get clothes made for them in Hong Kong and they were happy with the value and quality.
I went to the Power Co on Fenwick Street, a couple of blocks from the Wan Chai markets and just around the corner from an Apple store.
I paid an average of $NZ68 per shirt ($USD 55) for 3 shirts.
The guy was hilarious and we met some Irish supporters there for shirts and the sevens.
2. Visit the Burger Room on the way back from the stadium
We had had a couple of beers at the stadium but weren’t drunk by any means.
One of our party had been there several times over the 3 days that the tournament ran so he was a regular.
The Burger Room sell beer and the 2 guys that run it are accommodating and very nice.
TripAdvsor has mixed reviews but they are mostly focused around service and may be written by people with a biased appreciation – unfortunately not everywhere is as dedicated to customer service as the United States. You need to be aware that you are in a busy place in a busy city at a busy time and that when you are going anywhere drunk & hungry you may not be at your most attractive – you could be perceived as a burden.
Be polite and enjoy a Hoegaarden while you wait. The Portobello mushroom in my chicken burger was the same size as the bun – I’ll never forget it as long as I live … and will go back to the Burger Room as soon as I get back to Hong Kong.
3. Stroll the Wan Chai markets
Most of the merchandise is cheap Chinese made stuff – but it IS CHEAP.
Great for the little things you may have forgotten like belts, wallets, watch straps, hand bags, socks, underwear and little presents for the kids.
I grabbed 2 replica liverpool kits for my 18 month old for around $USD 10 (they didn’t have any rugby gear) and some angry birds paraphernalia for my girls.
4. Have a decent camera with you at ALL times
When you’re bar-hopping in Wan Chai or mingling with the crowds up the cobble stone streets of Lang Kwai Fong you are bound to see people and sights you want to capture.
Something that takes HD video and stills at a minimum of 5MP.
I recommend a small DSLR.
I take a Sony NEX-3. It looks like I’ve got a folded up dildo in my pocket but with auto focus, 3-4 fps burst rate & auto flash, it makes it very easy for a semi-sober bystander to get a good shot of you with a legend.
Also, it takes HD video so you can capture gems.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXRZb70bMGs&list=UU-oa7EpKmSZ3PHLAp4pMEFQ&index=1&feature=plcp]