King Serevi steers Fiji to a new crown
Perennial favourites Fiji grabbed World Cup Sevens glory again when they lifted their second Melrose Cup in front of 40,000 delirious fans at Hong Kong Stadium last night.
The classy islanders defeated rivals and defending champions New Zealand 29-19 in a thrilling final.
Fiji last won the World Cup in Hong Kong in 1997 and they proved yet again they are the true masters of the sevens game, winning the final with a rousing display of power and strength.
The tournament also provided a fitting possible finale for sevens great Waisale Serevi.
The 36-year-old weaved his tapestry of magic once again to inspire his team to arguably their greatest triumph.
'This is a big thing for Fiji because we are just a small nation,' said Serevi, who was voted player of the tournament.
'We were playing against the big nations. It's good for Fiji. All the players are really happy and everyone back home is happy.
'We would like to do it again in Hong Kong. They should hold the World Cup in Hong Kong every time,' quipped the legendary Fijian captain, who also came to his side's rescue in their dramatic 24-19 semi-final win over England.
It was another successful sevens tournament as spectators revelled in Hong Kong's biggest party to celebrate the city's second hosting of the world's most prestigious sevens event.
In yesterday's other action, Italy defeated Canada 7-5 to lift the Bowl, while Samoa proved too strong for Portugal in the Plate final, winning 29-7.
Rugby was also the winner off the pitch after International Rugby Board chairman Syd Millar presented a cheque for US$3.3 million to the United Nations World Food Programme during a ceremony before yesterday's three finals.
The money will be used to provide relief to victims of the Asian tsunami. It was raised this month at a charity match at Twickenham between stars from the northern and southern hemispheres.
WFP deputy executive director John Powell was presented with the cheque.
