ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Highlights from the Gold Coast opener of the IRB Sevens World Series

BY Grant Constable  ·  Sunday Nov 27, 2011

Fiji powered past reigning champions New Zealand in the opening round of the IRB World Series Sevens. Previously held in Adelaide, the Australian Sevens has now moved to the Gold Coast.

Fiji came away with a 26-12 win after having blitzed South Africa in the Semi Finals, but actually been beaten quite convincingly by New Zealand in their opening game. They shrugged off the 28-5 defeat to come back and get revenge when it mattered most.

“It is a big thing for the boys. We need a platform to start it off and this is a stepping stone to something,” said Fiji coach Etuate Waqa.

“It is very important to us, we have spoken about it, we want to go back to being number one in the world and if we can start it off like this it sets a platform that we can build on. We knew it would be physical, we just asked the boys to be composed.”

New Zealand themselves had looked typically good throughout the tournament, going into the final with a strong 26-7 win over hosts Australia. Coach Gordon Tietjens said they had plenty of positives to take from the performance however.

“We might have played well against Fiji in the pool but the team can turn around and do exactly the same to you. Lots to play for going to Dubai, we know we are good enough. The boys will be kicking themselves and we had set some good standards,” he said.

Wales won the Plate Final, Argentina claimed the Bowl, while Papua New Guinea took the Shield. 

Below are highlights of both days of play, with the final being featured in the second video. It’s posted as a playlist so hit Play to watch both, or select only the second video if you prefer. Enjoy. 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 76 WEEKS AGO

    Breaking down the greatest year of international...

  • 258 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 262 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans call for Stuart Hogg to face punishment after altercation involving ball boy

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'I have win!' Mathieu Raynal's hilarious player interaction caught on ref mic

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It was an easy decision for me' - Saints star commits to future

View All