Veteran Vodafone Fijian 7s prop Isake Katonibau’s never-say-die attitude inspired rookies Kalione Nasoko, Mesulame Kunavula and Sevuloni Mocenacagi to rise to the occasion and do the impossible.

These young players like Katonibau, not only put their bodies on the line but also delivered bone crushing tackles to stop the South Africans from crossing their line as they romped to a 22-0 win in the Cup final of the Hong Kong 7s tournament.

“It’s all about mental toughness,” Katonibau who is a Lieutenant with the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces said after the final.

“The boys were told that attack wins a game but defence wins a championship.”

Katonibau who is fondly known as ‘Ice’ to many rugby fans was always urging Kunavula, Mocenacagi and Nasoko on when the going got tough during the crucial stages of the tournament.

As a result, Mocenacagi scored the first try in the final while Kunavula crashed his way over the line for the second. Then Nasoko sealed the win with two tries in the second half that saw him got the Hong Kong Sevens Player of the Final award.

Looking back, Katonibau says, they had a slow start after they were held 17-all by Wales before they pipped New Zealand 19-17 to qualify for the Cup quarterfinals.

“But as the tournament moved on we began to gain momentum and there was no looking back,” he added.