Joy and agony: Mighty Fijians’ killer instinct kicks in to seal Hong Kong Sevens title - again
Defending champions play their own game to secure coveted trophy and bragging rights after New Zealand appear drained in Cup final after exhausting semi that saw them endure extra time
You had the feeling all along that the Fijians were slowly building their momentum, unconcerned with what was happening on the other side of the draw at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, or even at times on the other side of the field.
It was all about focusing on the style of game that has cemented the Fijians as the standard bearers when it comes to sevens – backing their natural instincts and, come what may, quite simply making sure they scored more points than anyone else.
“We play our own game and we will always play our own game,” was how coach Ben Ryan set out the lay of the land beforehand.
When Fiji run on the field in Hong Kong I think you can write a list of the reasons why they want to win
Once again it worked a treat as Fiji turned on the power in the second half for a 21-7 victory over a New Zealand team that surely must have been hindered – however slightly – by an exhausting semi-final that went into extra time.
That is not an excuse for the Kiwis – coach Gordon Tietjens has never been a man to offer those – more a simple statement of fact.
The sense was the Fijians knew, after watching the Kiwis eventually win 12-7 over South Africa, that they might tire.
