Rugby Sevens became an Olympic event this year for the first time.
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For Fiji, a small Oceanic nation that is comprised of over 300 islands in the South Pacific and boasts a population of just 800,000, it was nothing less than what was expected.
But naturally, it was back in Fiji where the most raucous celebrations took place as the entire country seemed to grind to a halt to watch the match unfold at 10am local time.
Fiji’s players pray after winning the men’s rugby sevens gold medal match against Britain at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016.
“About a year ago, I knew I wanted to leave, and wanted to go back into 15s, but the more this sevens train has carried on and the more I’ve enjoyed it, it’s nearly jumping off at the wrong time now”, Ryan said.
The Brit added: “They played some high-risk rugby there and they were outstanding and, hopefully, we showcased Fijian rugby and everybody who was watching, maybe even the British supporters, can have a smile”.
Tries by inspirational captain Osea Kolinisau, Jerry Tuwai, Jasa Veremalua, Leone Nakarawa and Vatemo Ravouvou gave the Fijians a seemingly unassailable 29-0 lead at half-time.
Thankfully Great Britain got some points on the board in the second half, adding the conversion to take the score to 36-7.
That in itself is a fantastic achievement for a squad that have only had ten weeks together in the build-up to the Games and produced a defensive masterclass to down South Africa in the semis.
Having never won an Olympic medal in any sport, the Fijian side travelled to Rio with their whole country expecting them to win gold, and it was the job of Ryan to keep them focussed on the job in hand.
Throughout the rounds the Pacific islanders got better and better, saving their best rugby until the final, when they showed just how good they are, sweeping aside a Great Britain side that had gone unbeaten throughout the competition. Right now, whatever political party, there’s no difference.
He expected Fiji to be going insane in celebration, and contemplated what epic welcome is in store for the team when they return home.
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“First of all, I thank the Lord, he has been our source of strength”.
