The Springbok Sevens salvaged some pride after their disappointing semi-finals loss to Great Britain when they won bronze against tournament surprise package Japan at the Rio Olympics on Thursday. Coach Ben Ryan was ecstatic on Twitter as he posted the front cover of the Fiji Times, as the Fijians made headlines around the world.
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The beach training paid off.
“Well done to Fiji, who were simply outstanding in the final and thoroughly deserved their victory and every accolade coming their way after winning their country’s first ever Olympic medal”, he added.
They dominated possession and ran in five tries by the break, Jerry Tuwai, Osea Kolinisau, Leone Nakarawa, Jasa Veremalua and Vatemo Ravouvou crossing.
England coach for six years before becoming disillusioned and taking up the same role with Fiji, Ryan was not paid for four months but it did not dampen the former sport teacher’s spirits and he led them to back-to-back World Series titles.Venturing into Suva, the Fijian capital, has proved hard with his rising popularity. Dan Norton scored the lone try for Great Britain.
And while they were being tempted by the McDonald’s set up inside the Olympic Village, the players kept their focus and now will get their just desserts (probably as part of a combo meal).
“Seeing rugby projected out of its traditional context is a good thing for us also in this market, we’ve had some great development”.
Viliame Mata rubbed salt into the wounds with a seventh final try to the delight of the partisan crowd that included International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and Britain’s Princess Anne.
In the bronze medal game, South Africa routed Japan.
Speaking to the media later, Bainimarama recalled Cyclone Winston which struck Fiji in February, claiming the lives of 44 people and causing widespread devastation.
“There were those who thought we wouldn’t do so well out here, and we knew we had to come here and scrap”. Right now, whatever political party, there’s no difference.
Fiji’s players pray after victory in the mens rugby sevens gold medal match between Fiji and Britain during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 11, 2016.
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Bainimarama said the inclusion of rugby in the Olympics this year for the first time since 1924 had “propped up” smaller nations like his.
