TWO greats in world rugby have rated the Fiji 7s team as the best in the world.
Australian Wallabies legend George Gregan and internationally renowned commentator Sean Maloney said the skills displayed by the Fijians at the Olympic Games had raised the bar on rugby’s abbreviated code.
“Fiji plays pure rugby 7s which made the team the best in the world,” Gregan said.
The pair were in the country with the Fox Sports to document Fiji’s celebration on the gold medal win in the Olympic Games for The Other Rugby Show which will be televised in Australia.
“Fiji played rugby 7s the way it was supposed to be played.”
The pair also interviewed Semi Kunatani and Jasa Veremalua for the television show and also documented the famous sand dunes in Sigatoka where the Fiji 7s team trained before the Olympics.
Gregan said the off-load games Fiji played separated the team from the rest in the world.
He also rated 7s wizard Waisale Serevi, who is in the country for a short visit, as one of the best players he had played against.
“Playing 7s against the Fijian 7s players such as Serevi was amazing and the Fijians play pure 7s rugby.
“The Fijians are big, strong, athletic and the off-load game is just amazing.
“They don’t kick the ball away, they just play to the space and keep the ball in hand. It is wonderful to watch.
“They stay true to the Fijian way of rugby 7s during the Olympics and if they play their game, no one can beat them.”
Maloney echoed the sentiments and rated Josua Tuisova as one of the best wingers in world rugby.
“Tuisova was incredible,” said Maloney.
“I was talking to former Wallabies flyer Drew Mitchell who also played alongside Tuisova for Toulon and he (Mitchell) ranked Tuisova as one of the best wingers in world rugby.
“But, all of the Fiji 7s players are talented and all are my best players such as Rawaca, Ravouvou, Viriviri, Tuwai, Jasa, Kunatani and the likes.
“I was a bit sad that Pio Tuwai didn’t make the cut.
“I love the way he plays. He is so lazy with the ball.”
Maloney said defence was one of Fiji’s main weapons at the Olympics.
“One of things that contributed to their success was the defence. Fiji is one of the toughest teams in the world to score try against and when they get their hands on the ball, it’s hard to stop them.
“I watched the game when they pass with one hand which is against the rules.
“You cannot pass with one hand and it’s beautiful how the Fijians make these one-hand offloads.
“Fiji is my favourite team long —— long way,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kunatani has departed the country to join Tolouse Rugby for the France Top 14 competition early this week.
