Fiji's prodigal son Bruce Rauqe was welcomed back into the fold yesterday and all was forgiven when he lifted his side out of the danger zone to a record eighth Hong Kong Sevens title.
Rauqe, who was dropped by Fiji from their national sevens squad earlier this year, was the hero last night, scoring the try that ensured the world champions a 28-19 victory over Samoa in a Cup final that captain Waisale Serevi described as 'a special win'.
That was because for the first time his wife Karailaini and eldest daughter Una were in the crowd, estimated at 37,000 by the organisers.
Serevi, 29, may not have been carrying Una up to the stands to receive the Cup and a cheque for US$120,000 if not for the tall and gangly Rauqe.
Unhappy with being dropped after having trained with the squad for three months, Rauqe left for Australia in January where he played club rugby in Sydney. His speed and bulk soon helped him into the Australian sevens squad.
Australia were dumped by Fiji in the quarter-finals. Past-master David Campese had the heart but not the legs and his young side were unable to stop Fiji from moving on.