Hong Kong Sevens: Fiji unearth another star on unbeaten run to Cup quarter-finals

It’s been a case of another year and another Fijian star is born with the emergence of playmaker Livai Ikanikoda at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. The four-time reigning champions were sensational in brushing aside a previously impressive looking New Zealand 24-5 to top pool C and Ikanikoda, a policeman by trade, was out there directing traffic throughout. The tries for the Fijians – who had led 19-0 at half-time – were shared between four players but Ikanikoda was bustling about doing a lot of peripheral damage, while crossing once and converting twice himself. That Ikanikoda has been off the scene for the national team since the 2011-2012 HSBC World Sevens Series makes his efforts in these early stages all the more remarkable. Leg injuries had forced Ikanikoda from the game after that breakout season, and ever since he has been working his way back into the picture. Coach Gareth Baber had identified Ikanikoda as a player to watch before the event. “He’s called a playmaker for a reason – he makes plays,” said Baber. “He’s a mature lad. He’s humble. He keeps his feet on the ground and that’s what this game is all about. “It’s the first time he’s ever played here. It’s phenomenal. The kid’s come out here and he’s looked like he has played here for the last five years. It’s sensational.” Fiji had presented a wooden carving to New Zealand before the match, as a sign of respect for the 50 lives lost in the Christchurch mosque shootings on March 15 and a clear reflection of the close bonds between these two rival sevens-playing nations. New Zealand had looked red-hot in winning their first two pool games but could not match the Fijians early on, and were left to gain some face with a late try to Joe Ravouvou. Fiji are now on an unbeaten run in Hong Kong that stretches back 28 games – with 27 wins and one draw. “Sometimes between teams as tight as these two it’s just about who comes out with the energy and who takes the chances early,” said Baber. “We did that. We gained a bit of momentum into the game and it was enough to see us through. I thought we worked extremely hard and was very proud of what we achieved. “It shows the team is working. Everybody is following what we talk about in terms of the game plan. The Fijians are the best in the world when we are going forward and creating opportunities. That’s the position we want to get into.” Fiji’s reward for their efforts is a Cup quarter-final against Argentina on Sunday. New Zealand will now meet France for their troubles, after the French made it three from three with a 26-14 victory over Argentina late in the day. While all eyes were on pool C early doors, South Africa have quietly gone about their business and shown no loss of the form that took them to victory in the Vancouver leg of the World Series. Saturday saw wins over Scotland (26-10) and Samoa (21-7) and now they will line up against the USA as they look to climb the World Series standings and – with luck and continued form – make it a hat-trick of titles. “We’ve a young squad and we’re going to make mistakes with decision making somewhere,” said Neil Powell. “I’m glad that the guys have turned up. “After the success in Vancouver it is always difficult to have a consistent performance again. But it’s not over yet and my message to them now is let’s not get complacent and let’s take another step up when we come back out there.” Powell revealed the South Africans had blocked out any exposure to reports, replays or assorted rumours about how their rivals have been performing this weekend. It has meant no pressure, he said. “You can’t start worrying about what other people are doing,” said Powell. “We knew all along we would be crossing with that pool of England and America so the important thing was each game ahead of us and then you let the draw work itself out. Sunday is always like a tournament of its own in Hong Kong so now we rest and we get ready.” Part of the South African game plan has involved moving the hulking Werner Kok into the forwards, and he could be seen at his bullocking best in a second-half run and try that snuffed out what slim hopes there were of a Samoan challenge. “It was something we tried in [last year’s] Commonwealth Games,” said Powell. “He wasn’t really ready back then a year ago but he is definitely ready now. He’s relishing the opportunity now. “He’s closer to the ball and he can get himself into more physical things. You can see how much he is enjoying the role.”