Where Fiji sevens boys become men: ‘rocket science’ on dunes earns praise from ex-coach Ben Ryan and England’s Vickerman
- Former player Naca Cawanibuka reveals back-breaking conditioning drills
- Ben Ryan praises techniques which helped Fiji dominate Hamilton Sevens
Former coach Ben Ryan led the plaudits after Fiji’s imperious triumph at the New Zealand Sevens, as another ex-international gave an insight into just how important the famous sand dunes of Sigatoka are to the country’s domination of world sevens.
In the final, the defending champions took on a United States side who looked menacing in defeating England and hosts New Zealand. But it was never close as the Fijians ran out 38-0 winners against a team playing in their third straight final.
Ryan, revered in Fiji after leading the team to Olympic gold in 2016, described their victory as “beautifully chaotic”, a reference to his book about his time in Fiji.
“Fiji were totally unstoppable winning the New Zealand Sevens. Just a potent mix of guile and power. Beautifully chaotic,” Ryan tweeted.
Ryan congratulated coach Gareth Baber, but reserved special praise for former Fiji sevens star and performance expert Naca Cawanibuka, who is proving that the iconic images of players running up the Sigatoka dunes is more than just traditional training. It also involves science.