WINNER'S of the CBM Vancouver 7s Covenant Brothers went down in a shock opening round loss during the Waikoula Vancouver 7s at Garvey Park in Tavua yesterday.
The Osea Kolinisau captained Covenant Brothers team lost to an unknown Rayawa team from Malolo 14-7.
Tournament coordinator Sairusi Tagiveitaua said the Rayawa team had no star players.
He said the other big guns had made a bright start.
"A big crowd gathered to watch the first day's action," the former international rugby referee said.
"We expect a sellout for Saturday. The standard of rugby is high."
The Pio Tuwai-captained Tokotoka Resort team, Police, Red Rock and Vuda Green won their respective first round matches.
The winner of the tournament will receive $10,000.
The Waikoula 7s is part of the Pasifika Rugby 7s Promotions Incorporated 2012/2013 Rugby 7s Fiji Series. Covenant Brothers defeated Bainivualiku 14-10 in the final to win the CBM Vancouver 7s at Ganilau Park in Savusavu last month.