New era dawns for Fiji Sevens

Iliesa Tanivula's over-riding sensation after his side beat South Africa to clinch the Hong Kong Sevens title must have been a mixture of joy, pride and relief.In Fiji the Hong Kong Sevens is held in the same regard as the Olympic Games, so to win the title for the first time since 1999 is a massive coup for him and his young players.In recent times Fiji had fallen outside the top four Sevens teams in the world, an almost unthinkable proposition back home. The people's darling Waisale Serevi had been sacked as coach for 'insubordination' before the World Cup in Dubai, where the team lost against Kenya in the quarter finals. Fiji badly needed a win, and it came at the best possible moment."These young guys really did themselves proud, and their families," said coach Tanivula after the final whistle."They've been working hard together back home, they've dug deep, trained hard, trained smart. Credit to them, I couldn't have asked for more."It's a real confidence boost heading to Adelaide, but I think it's going to get tougher from here."

The 26-24 victory also handed Fiji a first win for almost two years on the IRB Sevens World Series, their previous title having come in April 2007 in Adelaide, where 16 of the 24 teams in Hong Kong are now travelling to compete next weekend.Perhaps the charge has come too late for Tanivula's side to challenge for this year's World Series, but in boldly blooding a number of new players the new coach has done his country proud and already laid the foundations for next season.Emosi Vucago (16 tournaments) and veteran Nasoni Roko (30) were by far the most experienced players in the most recent squad. Of the victorious 12, four - Waqa Kotobalavu, James Brown, Apisai Naiyobo and Suliasi Ramasima - were making their Series debuts under the guidance of the established pair.

The tournament's outstanding forward Pio Tuwai was playing in only his second event, while six others had played only 22 tournaments between them.

Written off at home

"There have been some problems back home and this is probably one of the things that pulls us together as a nation and I'm sure they're celebrating now," said Tanivula."We were written off at home before we left and I think it just motivated us more to come out and the guys did it on the day."Tanivula and his players certainly deserve every column inch of praise."The national Sevens team has been a good ambassador for our country and their achievement symbolises determination against all odds, teamwork, commitment, spirituality and many more values," the country's Sports Minister Filipe Bole was reported as saying."As we prepare to welcome the rugby heroes back home, let us examine the secret of their achievement and pass it on to our students so they learn from it and become successful in their schoolwork."Having chosen to ply his trade in New Zealand, Iliesa Tanivula may not have played Sevens for Fiji, but he has already delivered as a coach.

Fiji face Argentina, France and Scotland in Pool B at the Adelaide International Sevens on 3-5 April.