Hong Kong’s Best Moment
As the clock ticks down to the 2022 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the South China Morning Post turns it back to some of the stand-out moments of the past.
Waisale Serevi had already made a name for himself on his 1989 debut in Hong Kong, being chosen as player of the tournament, but his reputation for touching the tournament with magic was secured in 1990.
He starred as Fiji defeated New Zealand to lift the Cup, but one particular moment stood out as he helped conjure a score for wing Tomasi Cama that many considered to be the best sevens try ever witnessed.
It began when Vesi Rauluni hurled a one-handed pass towards Serevi, who was being closed down by black jerseys.
The playmaker reacted instinctively, tipping the ball over his head and allowing its momentum to reach Noa Nadruku, positioned several metres behind him.
Even that was not the cheekiest contribution to this try of tries. Nadruku was similarly cornered, and– rather than lose split-seconds by catching then opting to run or swivel and pass – he smuggled the ball away just as the New Zealand defence arrived by flipping an outrageous blind pass between his legs to Cama.
The bearded speed merchant still had a long way to travel but he had clear space ahead of him and outgalloped John Gallagher to touch down under the posts.
And the match? Fiji took it 22-10.
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