“For years, we’ve been trying to get back the Fijian flair, and what Ben did is bring that out, and a lot of consistency that was lacking in our game”.
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When the team beat Great Britain 43-7, earning Fiji its first Olympic medal – and a gold one, at that.
Overseas media outlets were also quick to report on the story which some labelled “a fairytale ending” for a small nation with a big dream.
The whistleblower had a feeling in the changing room that his team was up for the Olympic final, but even he was amazed at how well they executed the game plan: Contesting kickoffs, staying on their feet in tackles and offloading.
After 16 appearances in the Olympics, the tiny nation of Fiji has its first medal.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Games offered us that opportunity and our rugby sevens team delivered in style.
They put seven tries past Davies and Team GB in the final – meaning the British squad had to settle for silver.
Since the introduction of the world sevens series in 1999, however, the team have often struggled with consistency, romping through one tournament only to crash out early in the next.
“Then I will go back to Fiji and try and hide”. “They’re with us all the way”.
The U.S. women produced two big performances, leading Australia 12-5 with a minute to play before the Aussies rallied, and taking New Zealand all the way in a 5-0 quarterfinal loss.
“They just attacked everything, they went for everything and it all paid off”, said Britain’s James Rodwell. The song, E Da Sa Qaqa (translated as We are Winners because of this World), is often performed by the players during training and competition.
“We played well in parts but we weren’t able to play the game at our pace and we still have to improve”, said Japan head coach Tomohiro Segawa.
The rugby sevens format is like a snack-sized version of the traditional 15-a-side game. “So it’s a historic day for so many things and so many people and the support as well over in Fiji and all over the world is just overwhelming”.
“Everyone has worked so hard, and it has been an awesome journey”.
“Fiji are probably the best side for the last two years in Sevens”. “We’ve had the opportunity and we thank the International Olympic Committee for that”.
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Jasa Veremalua scored in the right corner to make it 17-0 and the Fijians scored again directly from the kickoff when Semi Kunatani regathered the re-start and passed to Nakarawa, who sprinted away to score. “If I’m weak, you help me” and we play for our country, for our family, and especially for the Lord we serve”.
