Fijian national 7s coach Ben Ryan believes in the important roles bigger nations carry in the development of sport in the Oceania region.

“We are here as ambassadors of the sport and we are here to enjoy ourselves and spread the game of rugby,” he said.

Ryan believes on the involvement of Australia and New Zealand 7s team to help with development in the region.

“The competing nations here are smaller nations and, of course, the bigger nations include Fiji, Samoa and Tonga,” he said.

“If New Zealand and Australia compete it could assist in the development of sport in the region and they will get a good value out of it as well.”

The Fijians finished top of their pool after thumping Tahiti 50-0 in their final pool game at Sir John Guise Stadium yesterday.

The Isake Katonibau-captained side made a bullet start and having experienced players proved an advantage with a good defensive game against the French Polynesians.

Fiji led 26-0 at half-time.

The boys maintained the momentum in the second half and Tahiti side only had themselves to blame for their poor defensive skills and attacking techniques, which denied them possession.

Ryan was impressed with new players Keponi Paul and Abele Yalayalatabua at the games.

“Looking at the time we had for preparation, the players are doing well. The boys have been defending extremely well,” he said.

“As we progress to quarterfinal the players have to be mentally switched on.”

Fiji finished top of Pool A with four consecutive wins, beating Papua New Guinea 17-0 in the first game, beating Guam and Solomon Islands 59-0 in the second and third match respectively and ending with their 50-0 victory over Tahiti.

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