Hong Kong Sevens champions Fiji complete Rio rout of Great Britain to claim historic first Olympic gold

Fiji delivered on the biggest stage, bringing home the country’s first ever Olympic medals – and ones of shiny gold – as rugby capped its triumphant return to the Games after a 92-year absence.

Deodoro Stadium, a temporary structure surrounded by barracks and military grounds on the northern outskirts of Rio felt like a corner of Suva, the islanders’ capital, as they hammered Great Britain 43-7.

There were plenty of British fans among the 12,000-odd present, but they were completely drowned out as everybody’s second favourite team brought their stunning brand of rugby familiar to Hong Kong Sevens fans to a global audience.

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If there were any pre-match nerves or worries that they wouldn’t deliver as the entire nation watched at home, those were quickly eliminated as Fiji came storming at Britain straight from kick-off. And if GB got out of their own half in the first period, they certainly didn’t do it more than once.

Captain Kolinisau got Fiji off the mark after they came out like a hurricane, steaming over after some trademark rapid-fire offloading, planting the ball backwards behind his head as he was dragged over the line by a last-ditch tackle.

“Go Fiji Go” was the cry from almost everyone in the stadium and Fiji went, Jerry Tuwai doubling the lead a couple of minutes later as GB struggled to get near their opponents.

Britain almost got out of their own half, but gave the ball away with a wild pass, and Jasa Veremalua ensured they were punished.