Costume party
THE HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is really a big costume party across 10 countries. At the Paris 7s and like other tournaments, every Disney character is out. You have Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, cowboys, cowgirls, priests, nuns, angels and many more. We even have musicians entertaining the crowd smack bang in the middle of the stadium. The Fiji Times even saw a man struggling in heels but with lots of Dutch courage. It’s a party!
Support base
THEY are followed everywhere they go. The national men’s sevens rugby team even have crowds watching them warm up. And they are not just Fiji nationals but foreign nationals who love the team. It’s a warm feeling when you see little children looking at the team with awe.
Stade Jean Bouin
DID you know that the Jean Bouin Stadium where the Paris 7s is being held was opened in 1925? It is named after the athlete Jean Bouin, the 5000 metre silver medallist from 1912 Olympics. The stadium has a capacity to sit 20,000 spectators and is the home of Top 14 rugby club Stade Francais and football club Red Star FC.
Half time talk
THE pep talk given during half time is usually interesting but important as it can make or break a game. So what was said in the huddles between New Zealand and Fiji at half time? New Zealand: “Hold our shape. Get in quick and shift it into space. We need good decision making.” Fiji coach, Gareth Baber: “They are looking tired. We have to work hard behind the ball carrier.”
7s rugby fever
So, here is what World Rugby tweeted on the eve of the end of the World Sevens Series this season: “Got rugby sevens fever? With the world series finishing up in Paris, get the only cure with a bit of Rugby World Cup Sevens action in San Francisco.” You game enough Fiji? Toso Viti!
