Fiji eye New Zealand as Las Vegas beckons

Some believe that Fiji have become the team to beat in the IRB World Sevens series after impressive performances saw them hoist the Wellington Sevens title. They did conquer all comers last weekend, crossing paths with most of the big guns.

However, they did not meet current IRB Sevens Series leaders New Zealand, with the two old foes and original superpowers of the Sevens circuit now only four points apart in the 2009/10 standings.

Fiji were far too good for eventual Plate winners Australia, beat reigning World Series champions South Africa in the quarter finals, defeated reigning Wellington champions England in the semi finals, before beating Island rivals Samoa in the final – who themselves eliminated New Zealand.

Fiji stated that much of their success had come from a re-focusing of their work ethic and training plans, with the squad admitting they had trained hard throughout Christmas and New Years to give themselves an edge coming into Wellington.

It certainly has appeared to have paid off.

Fiji was the most threatening attacking team in Wellington, scoring 29 tries in six games. Samoa was the second best offensive unit with 23 scores.

Defensively, they were even better, conceding just eight tries over the tournament. New Zealand was second best only letting opponents cross their line nine times, but they played one less match.

This will be something that Gordon Tietjens will have noted, with the long time New Zealand coach believing that it is defence first and foremost that wins you games and more importantly tournaments throughout the Sevens series.

As the action moves to “Sin City” the matchups will be intense from the off, with three of the Cup quarter finals replayed on the first day of clashes at Sam Boyd Stadium.

New Zealand will play Australia, Kenya will face Samoa, and the Fijians will for the fourth time this season clash with current Sevens champions South Africa.

Argentina will enter the tournament as defending champions, with the American leg last year being played in San Diego.

2009/10 IRB World Sevens Series: Las Vegas pools

Pool A
New Zealand
Australia
France
Guyana

Pool B
Fiji
South Africa
USA
Canada

Pool C
Samoa
Kenya
Scotland
Chile

Pool D
England
Argentina
Wales
Japan