Aussies break Fiji hearts
THE John Manenti coached Aussies broke Fijian hearts in the dying stage as the 2021/22 HSBC WRSS champions clinched a thrilling and famous 20-17 victory to claim the Cathay Pacific/ HSBC HK 7s crown and bring to an end Fiji’s dominance of five years in the Happy Valley, beating NZ (twice), South Africa, Kenya and France. Fans enjoyed every bit of the nail-biting affair which culminated in a pulsating end-to-end final which was played in an electrifying and party-like atmosphere. With Fiji leading 17-15, the score was settled in the dying seconds when Nathan Lawson scored in the corner to cue wild celebrations from the green and gold contingent. The highly anticipated HK 7s comeback edition made up for lost time with the classic encounter between Fiji and Australia in the final – a battle between the series champions and holders of the Melrose Cup. Double Olympic champions Fiji led through tries from Josua Vakurinabili and a pair from Waisea Nacuqu, but Australia hit back through Henry Hutchison, twice, and Tim Clements before Lawson sealed the comeback victory to continue their fantastic form and ending 34 years of anguish in HK. The Fijians aimed to continue their love affair at their favourite stadium, aiming to set another record-breaking sixth straight title, but the night belonged to the Aussies.
Josevani Soro described the atmosphere at So Kon Po as absorbing, alluring and charismatic. It was his first appearance at the Mecca of 7s, and he will cherish the moment in ages to come. Originally from Nakorosule Village in Naitasiri, Soro paid tribute to his parents Ananaisa Soro and Unaisi Tagabale for raising him and instilling in him strong values. Soro attended Nasavu District School in Bua, John Wesley Primary School and Namalata District School in Tailevu. He completed his secondary school at Lelean Memorial School, and knew that he had to emulate the success of former Lelean scholars – Seremaia Bai, Iliesa Keresoni and the legendary Waisale Serevi so he started working hard in a bid to don the national 7s jumper. His journey to stardom started as he played for the Police Blue side in the Fun Flavour FRU Super 7s Series. He was selected by Ben Gollings for the trip to So Kon Po, and he did not disappoint his fans. According to Soro, the feeling of playing in HK was surreal, a dream come true and exceptionally different from the other tournaments he had played. He plans to keep polishing and bettering his game to the highest point that he could reach as success is just hard work and faith, and there’s no shortcut.
The Kiwis were bailed out by the brilliance of Joey Manu, and now they face a mammoth task ahead of the battle against the Kangaroos in the RLWC semis. To beat the Kangaroos, the Kiwis must fix up their act sharpish, as they scraped past a fired-up, passionate and determined Fiji Bati outfit, following an unconvincing 24-18 win. The Bati team’s dominance was evident, and the tightness of the game brought back memories of the 2017 quarter-final when the Kiwis were knocked out by Fiji 4-2 at the same stage, costing the then-coach David Kidwell his job. Maika Sivo and Kevin Naiqama scored three world-class and well-executed tries. Former NRL star James Graham had this to say about the controversial penalty awarded to NZ against the Bati, “This is a cruel, cruel twist of fate.” The call resulted in the Kiwis taking the lead 20-18, and then scoring a try to seal the deal. Our boys were phenomenal, putting big hits, and defending their try-line. They sizzled as they led 18-6, but NZ’s fighting spirit and character was a class as the Kiwis came from behind to take the lead. Veteran warriors Kevin Naiqama and Korbin Sims played their hearts out in their last RLWC and I salute them for their service to the nation in the Bati colours.
Scotland weathered a strong start from the Flying Fijians in the Autumn Test Series to prevail 28-12 at Murrayfield. George Turner’s early try put the Bravehearts ahead, but Fiji hit back with two tries and temporarily led 12-7, but tries on either side of half-time by Adam Hastings and Duhan van der Merwe helped Scotland regain the upper hand. Ben White added another try in the closing stages as the hosts posted their fourth win in the 10 Tests played this year. The Flying Fijians touched hearts as they honoured Princess Anne at Murrayfield. As the British Royal was introduced to each player, they knelt in respect before Princess Anne, who smiled throughout, and clapped three times out of respect. The hearttouching scenes brought memories from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games when members of the gold medal-winning team, led by Osea Kolinisau, knelt respectfully and clapped three times for Princess Anne as she presented them with our first Olympic Games gold medal after thrashing Great Britain 43-7.
Round two of the 2022 Autumn Test Series set the platform for the explosive, gripping and invigorating RWC 15s tournament to be hosted by Les Bleus. The rampant All Blacks outclassed hosts Wales, with an eight-try show in the 55-23 hammering! The mighty All Blacks extended their winning sequence against Wales to 33 games with a thrilling victory at the Principality Stadium. Codie Taylor, Aaron Smith, Jordie Barrett, Ardia Savea and Samisoni Taukei’aho scored two tries as Wales’ 69year wait for a victory over the All Blacks continues. World’s number one ranked Ireland beat Webb Ellis Cup holders South Africa 19-16 in a tough, gritty clash at the Aviva Stadium. Johnny Sexton’s penalty heroics put enough daylight between the two sides with seven minutes left before the Springboks made a fight-back to no avail. The clash between Australia and France brought fans to their feet as Damian Penaud’s try gifted Les Bleus a hard-fought win against the Wallabies at the Stade de France. Lalakai Foketi and Jock Campbell scored two sensational tries, with Bernard Foley kicking the rest of the points. Fabien Galthie’s side ground through the game, and Penaud scored the stunning late winner to add to Julien Marchand’s try, while Thomas Ramos’ metronomic boot secured their other points. In a major upset, England lost to Argentina 29-30. Michael Cheika’s side picked up its first win over England at Twickenham since 2006. Emiliano Boffelli kicked six penalties, a conversion and scored a try. Santiago Carreras also got over. Joe Cokanasiga and Jack van Poortvliet scored tries in the painful defeat in front of a rocksolid home base.
Caroline Drouin missed a lastgasp penalty for France as the defending champions claimed a 25-24 classic at Eden Park to set up a blockbuster Women’s RWC final against England. Drouin shanked her last-minute kick as the Black Ferns made a great escape in front of a roaring crowd. Down 17-10 at halftime, the hosts charged into the lead through Ruby Tui and Theresa Fitzpatrick and were well-placed as France went down with a yellow card. Romane Menager scored a brace of tries in a powerhouse display, pulling the French within a point with 14 minutes left, but Drouin’s late miss sealed their fate. On the other hand, the Roses reached the final, going past a spirited Canadian side 2619. England stood up to the test, with Abby Dow scoring a try and three Emily Scarratt penalties enough to seal the win.
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