Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Classic Encounter - Fiji vs Barbarians 1991 Hong Kong Sevens
The superstar Fijians came up against a talented Barbarians in the Semi Final of the 1991 Hong Kong Sevens tournament. The BaaBaa's last won the tournament in 1981, so all was to play for.
They had a mix of players, mainly English, that included the likes of Jeremy Guscott, Will Carling, Rupert Moon, Mick Skinner, and Andrew Harriman.
The flying Harriman, who we saw burn David Campese in the 1993 tournament , scored a classic try as he rounded the Fijians with his blistering pace.
It was mainly about the men in white though, as they possessed fire power in the form of Tomasi Cama, Noa Nadruku, and a young Waisale Serevi, who himself went on to once again pick up player of the tournament.
Naduku's try, which featured many passes changing hand from the kickoff, must surely be one of the best tries ever seen on the Sevens stage.
Fiji were too good on the day, with this classic match ending 22-14. They went on to beat New Zealand 18-14 in the final, picking up yet another Hong Kong Sevens title.
History of Rugby World Cup Sevens - Part 2
Posted at 9:38 am | 14 comments
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Viewing 14 comments
nomex July 15, 2009 9:31 am

Bibblesworth July 15, 2009 10:46 am

Anonymous July 15, 2009 11:09 am

Anonymous July 15, 2009 12:46 pm

Greiffel July 15, 2009 1:35 pm

Anonymous July 15, 2009 2:20 pm

or as Mike Teague called him: "Hollywood."
Felix July 15, 2009 8:07 pm

cheyanqui July 15, 2009 10:22 pm

Exactly right. Back before professionalism, and before the RWC really took off, events like the HK 7s were the only place where teams and players from all over could really test their mettle.
Nowadays, the events are diluted, and talent is spread out and/or conflicted.
Imagine if:
- every pro club would have to release anyone for 1 month prior to HK 7s
- If the IRB circuit didn't exist (because it does, then 7s coaches must look to developing continuity throughout the season, rather than simply picking an all-star team for the HK 7s)
7s today is much more scripted and team-based. The players don't have the same individual class as the Lomus, Campos, and Serevis. However, they play within a structure, making them a better squad than simply picking one-offs for a game of footy..
Unless of course you are Fiji, and you just pick some volleyballer, or heck some street vendor.
Anonymous July 16, 2009 12:04 am

great skill levels.
love rare footage like this,
thanks RD!
Anonymous July 16, 2009 12:26 am

Anonymous July 16, 2009 7:05 am

(or is that what the government stadium used to look like back then?)















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