WHILE it was the Parade of Nations, Samoa basically turned the event into their own show with traditional dancing from supporters and players.
The event held last night at the Fremont Street was packed with thousands of fans who welcomed the 16 teams competing this weekend for the HSBC Las Vegas 7s title.
Ten-year-old Briseyda Rodrigues led the Fiji team into the podium to the sound of Vanua Domoni, setting Fijian fans into a frenzy chanting “Toso Viti Toso”! Rodrigues was part of the HSBC USA Sevens Adopt A Country Program, after winning the essay competition on Fiji organised by C.P. Squires Elementary School.
She was lifted up by Josua Vakurinabili as players lifted their hands shouting “Bula” to the crowd. France and Kenyan players also danced including the Japanese. The Spanish team mimicked bull fighting on stage.
Defending champion and host USA came on to the stage with the Rookie, the Eagle.
“It’s been amazing to be around our home fans this week and see so many of them show up to support us at the Parade of Nations,” USA players with links to Fiji, Matai Leuta said.
“Our fans always make this tournament special for us and as a team, we’re looking forward to giving them back that same energy on the pitch this weekend. It’ll be a challenging tournament nonetheless but we’re focused, we’ve been working hard, and we’re ready for another opportunity to compete tomorrow.”
There were addresses by USA Sevens tournament director Jon Hinkin and USA captain Madison Hughes.
“We’re excited to get out there tomorrow in front of a vibrant rugby crowd with our friend and families in the stands, just as we saw tonight at the Parade of Nations,” USA coach Mike Friday said last night.
“The boys have put in all the hard yards these past couple weeks and are anxious to keep building on our goal of Olympic qualification tomorrow. We have another shot at the cup and we expect the fans in Las Vegas will be as loud and proud as ever to see the boys back out on the home pitch.”
