Ten years ago, Fiji lifted its first Singapore 7s title.
The previous year had seen the mighty Fijians become the first team to win two Rugby World Cup 7s. However, the previous week at Happy Valley was disappointing as Fiji lost to England in the final after our wonder boy Epeli Dranivasa was injured.
The national team coached by Savou and managed by Daunivalu was laced with big names such as Serevi, Bolavucu, Matadigo, Tonawai, Ryder, Naevo, Naqelevuki, Ligairi (replaced Dranivasa), Laisiasa Tora, Volavola, Nanuku and Nabuliwaqa. Fiji also had a slender six point lead over England.
Japan was brave in their efforts in the first match but was simply outclassed 54-0. Singapore bore the full brunt of the Fijians, getting a thrashing 0-61. Next for us was Australia who had Fijian-born Viliame Ratu but we were relenting in our efforts, disposing the Aussies 36-7.
The quarter-final clash against the Samoans was a hell of a match. Led by Senio and Mai, Samoa were unlucky to knock the ball forward in the dying seconds.
Fiji pulled off a lucky escape by the skin of their teeth 14-12. Fiji was outstanding against Argentina in the semi-final winning the crucial encounter 26-7. In the cup final we were poised to face the Mike Friday- coached England outfit that had Russell, Gollings, Amor, Varndell and Tait. The final was bruising as our sheer blistering pace from the stand start gave us our first victory.
While our boys relished this victory, Fiji was lit up in joy and excitement. We had beaten England who like the Samoans had become our nemesis. As we head to Singapore, those memories become alive. I have waited in vain for a back to back victory and I am confident that this team has the guts to light up the fireworks in the skyscrapers of Singapore. Go Fiji, go!