MESMERIZE and that is what Fiji Airways men’s 7s team stands for.
With aplomb the team won the Rugby 7s World Cup and ended the 17-year drought.
Believe it, the Melrose Cup is Fiji’s to cherish.
Fijians’ world over took the victory with a sense of pride and elation, the euphoria will take time to soak in.
Fiji schooled reigning champions New Zealand in an exhilarating 29-12 final win.
And claimed its third RWC Sevens title, their first since 2005, by beating an All-Blacks side that won the previous two editions in 2013 and 2018.
The two sevens powerhouse have always made for a grand finale and as legendary sevens commentator Keith Quinn said ‘when these two teams meet in the final the earth moves.’
But in Cape Town, the sky opened to the tune of Fiji’s national anthem, ‘Blessing grant of God of nations on the isles of Fiji,’ it hit all nerves as Fiji ran out on the field and put on a clinical show to obliterated All blacks.
2005 Rugby 7s World Cup
It was in 2005 in Honk Kong that under the leadership of Waisale Serevi, the team won the first Melrose Cup, Wayne Pivoc was the coach.
Viliame ‘The Stretcher’ Satala, was a star player on the championship winning team.
He is the assistant coach on head coach Ben Gollings’ team.
Gollings said it is incredibly valuable to have Bill, with his knowledge and experience having won in 2005.
“It is really getting the mind right, the mental edge right in this competition and understanding the difference as it is a knockout.”
“Bill is important in providing that inspiration and motivation because this is important to us all as a nation. The regard is held, and we have held discussions as we build on that.”
Lesson learnt
Gollings had in the lead up to the RWC, praised the work ethics of the players, said they have learnt a lesson from the LA 7s and the Commonwealth Games loss, and was ready to spring in quality performance.
He said the players were building up confidence at their own game and remain focused to rise to the occasion and represent.
“We had it covered on errors made at the LA 7s and at the Commonwealth Games final loss.”
Gollings impressed
Gollings said he was happy for the boys who responded to the game and remained steadfast.
“Our defensive and offensive play is what led us to win the World Cup.”
“We let ourselves down in the Commonwealth Games, and we knew what the Rugby 7s World Cup meant to us.
“The players played as a team, for one another and for the people of Fiji.”
Tuwai factor
Gollings said capped Jerry Tuwai’s words to players around him hold value, who respect the veteran for his rugby exploits.
“Jerry commanders respect, he’s a role model who brings positive energy to the team.”
Fijians celebrate
Fijians’ world over have jumped on the celebration wagon with emotions running at fever pitch.
Fervent took to social media to celebrate the victory and called out the Fiji Rugby Union and the Government to set aside a day to mark the achievement of the team.
Many like Jacob Siwatibau believe the Rugby 7s World champions deserve a celebration like no other.
“Let’s celebrate.”
“For a tiny country, rugby is what has given our sporting identity to the world.
“We will take it, and feel blessed to be Fijian.”
