The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has hosted many memorable Fiji moments over the years: Waisale Serevi’s one-handed run in, William Ryder’s ridiculousness – and the first time a Fiji team lifted the Hong Kong trophy in 1977.
Fiji have claimed 19 title victories on this stop of the sevens tour, the same number of tournaments they have gone without a win in recent times. It has been a historic drought – but Hong Kong has tended to bring the best out of the superstars in white.
After lifting the trophy in Hong Kong as a player, Osea, more than anyone, will want to manifest some more magic moments.
The memory of trying to stop Osea score the opening try in the Olympic final in Rio is etched into the cells of my body. I made a despairing tackle attempt during the demolition job Fiji did on my Great Britain team. But there are few players with the graciousness and character I would rather have lost to.
What ensued was momentous for Fiji, not only putting them on the Olympic map for the first time as medal winners but also sending the country into raptures. Fiji is a country bursting with national pride at any time but it was overflowing and spilling into the Pacific the day Osea and Co won that game.
As a result, coach Osea has set his own benchmark. It is incredibly high. However, while Fijian fans will be hoping for some silverware, I am looking forward to seeing his beaming smile at the side of a sevens pitch once more.
