Building momentum to the 2023 Hamilton 7s
IT’S a pity that next week’s Hamilton 7s at the FMG Stadium in NZ will be the last that the crazy rugby country will host. The NZ 7s produced the finest finals 7s fans witnessed.
The 2000 Wellington 7s for me was the best as the Flying Fijians led by the likes of the late Temesia Kaumaia, Taniela Qauqau, Fero Lasagavibau, Waisale Serevi, Marika Vunibaka, Vilimone Delasau, Viliame Satala, Jope Tuikabe, Setareki Tawake and Api Naevo beat the hosts, who had the likes of Eric Rush, Karl Te Nana, the late Jonah Lomu, Tony Monaghan, Craig De Goldi, Caleb Ralph, Mils Muliaina and Christian Cullen, 24-14. What a breathtaking final it was- it still drives excitement when I think about it! Fiji was a beast as it savaged NZ!
After Wellington lost its touch, Hamilton became the new hosts where Fiji won back-to-back Cup titles!
Come-from-behind inaugural Hamilton 7s win
FIJI pulled off a scintillating comeback to stun South Africa and win the 2018 Hamilton 7s cup title.
The Flying Fijians were in deep trouble in the decider at FMG Stadium, trailing the world champions 17-5 at half-time after Josua Vakurunabili copped a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown, but South Africa’s Branco du Preez also saw yellow in the second term as the Olympic gold medallists showcased their incredible skills to over-run the world champions 24-17. Alasio Naduva scored a hat-trick for Fiji, the second try coming after a freakish over-the-head pass, and won the man of the match award.
Eroni Sau scored Fiji’s other try while Kwagga Smith, Kyle Brown and du Preez got on the score-sheet for the Blitzboks. South Africa led the HSBC WRSS standings on 77 points ahead of NZ (69), with Fiji (62) improving to third ahead of fourth-placed
Australia (60). The Hamilton crowd loved the brutal affair. Rampant Fiji victorious again in Hamilton
The rampaging Flying Fijians thrilled their wonderfully passionate support by hammering all before them to win their second successive Hamilton 7s title. They dazzled their outstanding fans, trouncing the USA Eagles 38-0 in the final, and everyone in attendance at a sold out FMG Stadium Waikato revelled in witnessing the Olympic champions notch an incredible 100 points on finals day.
Fiji conceded just twice while thumping Canada, South Africa and USA, and six super tries in the decider had the drums beating long into the night. Jerry Tuwai and Alosio Naduva scored doubles and further tries to Waisea Nacuqu and Aminiasi Tuimaba delighted the phenomenal Fijian crowd, who created a fantastic atmosphere as Hamilton’s second year of hosting 7s proved to be another resounding success.
Fiji started day two with a classy 33-7 win against Canada in the quarter-final, which delighted the loyal and loud scores of Fijians who once again kicked off an electric atmosphere after turning out in force. South Africa advanced to the semi-finals after seeing off Samoa 28-17, but the green machine was no match for the formidable Fijians, whose celebrations lit up another memorable night in Hamilton. A sensational Cup win for Fiji!
All Blacks 7s win first Hamilton 7s title
The All Blacks 7s extended their record as the most successful team on home soil in the history of the HSBC WRSS with a 27-5 defeat of France in the 2020 Hamilton 7s Cup final. The triumph was the All Blacks 7s 10th in their own backyard, but the first in Hamilton, having won their last title in Wellington in 2016. It was also their 60th title in the WRSS history and the second of the season after victory in Cape Town. France, playing in their first ever Cup final in NZ, was on the back foot early on after Tavite Veredamu was sin-binned, and Scott Curry powered through to open scoring. Veredamu quickly atoned for his indiscretion, scoring a try. Jonathan Laugel was sin-binned and NZ made their man advantage count as Regan Ware grounded the ball.
Ware added a second before Curry scored twice to seal victory and extend the All Blacks 7s advantage at the top of the standings from nothing to 15 points over South Africa, who could only finish 10th in Hamilton, and France on 48 points with England fourth on 39.
Fiji finished third in pool play. The boys beat Samoa and Australia 19-12, respectively, but lost to Argentina 26-10. Fiji finished in ninth place after beating South Africa 12-5. A bitter end to our campaign in NZ!
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