THE Savu Waters Barbarians 7s rugby team showed class and determination to win the 2017 Glendale 7s tournament beating Ramblin Jesters 31-14 in the final at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado, USA, yesterday.
The Iliesa Tanivula-coached side came from behind to claim victory from their opponents in the second half.
Fiji had the services of Olympic Games gold medallists Jasa Veremalua, Samisoni Viriviri, Vatemo Ravouvou and lanky Apisai Domolailai with Fiji 7s team regulars Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Josua Vici.
Former Fiji 7s coach and magician Waisale Serevi also played an important role in the team’s win as the side also received $10,000 as the prizemoney and a trophy.
Ramblin Jesters scored its first in the match before Fijian flyer Samisoni Viriviri scored their first try which was converted by Ravouvou. Jesters extended their lead through Harry Whiteley before Mocenacagi closed the gap to 12-14 after a unsuccessful conversion by Ravouvou.
The Savu Waters-sponsored Fiji Barbarians side trailed 12-14 at half time.
Fiji played their usual off loading rugby in the second half resulted in speedster Dion Crowder running two tries before Vici scored the last try of the match.
“I thank God for giving us an opportunity and for all the players to be here.
“I thank Jesters rugby team for competing in the competition,” Serevi addressed the fans during the cup presentation.
“I congratulate the (Fijian) players for the hard work since it has been a hard week for me looking after two teams.”
Fiji defeated the British Army 26-12 in the semi-final.
“I was not supposed to be here since there is a death in the family, but my understanding wife told me to stay and play rugby because it was my life and they would go to Fiji,” Serevi said.
“There were a lot of people who were asking me why was I on the field again and the reason was players came from Fiji and some of them were not allowed to travel so they asked me if I could join them for this weekend.
“I want this tournament to be the biggest 7s tournament in the world in years to come,” he said.
Fiji Baabas team:
Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua, Solo Racagiceva, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Amenoni Nasilasila, Waisale Serevi, Jiuta Vakabua, Dion Crowder, Josua Vici, Samisoni Viriviri, Pita Naruma and Vatemo Ravouvou
