Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Halfback Jerry Tuwai's Moment
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor congratulated the team and Tuwai for creating history in the prestigious tournament.
Tuesday 09 April 2019 | 13:16
Jerry Tuwai in full flight against France in the final of the Hong Kong 7s 2019. Photo: Zoomfiji
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s halfback Seremaia (Jerry) Tuwai became the first player to win the Hong Kong 7s title for five years in-a-row.
Last night, Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor congratulated the team and Tuwai for creating history in the prestigious tournament.
“We will celebrate but it is not the end of the road as we’ve got the Singapore 7s next and followed by the London and France tournaments,” he said.
The 21-7 win over France saw the Fijians claim second spot in the 2018/19 World Seven Series with 123 points while USA still lead with 130 and New Zealand have fallen to third spot with 118.
The top four teams at the end of the Series will automatically qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan.
NEW APPOINTMENT
O’Connor also confirmed that Tomasi Cama Snr will be part of the team for the rest of the tournaments in the Series and right up to the Olympic Games.
“Cama’s role is to mentor the players and also work on the discipline side as well,” he added.
PLAYER RATINGS
Paula Dranisinukula- Led from the front especially when the going gets tough. He’s always demanding the best from his players. -9
Sevuloni Mocenacagi- Played solidly throughout the tournament but needs to watch his tackles when the pressure is on. He also needs to communicate a lot. -7
Meli Derenalagi- Played his heart out and was consistent throughout. The 20-year-old won a number of turnovers, made offloads and was tenacious in defence that led to numerous tries. -9
Josua Vakurinabili- A great impact player and stood by his captain through thick of things. –7
Isoa Tabu- Still work in progress but a player to watch when the series continues. -6
Apenisa Cakaubalavu- Came in as a sub, always hunting for the ball and strong in defence. -7
Seremaia Tuwai- A class act! Tuwai controlled the game and struck with precision as he time and again opened up gaps in the opposition defence. A solid tackler and virtually gave everything he had. -9
Livai Ikanikoda- Back after 7 years it took him time to adapt. Once he did, Livai showed his maturity and experience as he controlled the pressure situation well but he needs to work on his goalkicking. -8
Vilimoni Botitu- A working machine at rover as he kept on probing the opposition defence, like Derenalagi made a number of turnovers and executed try saving tackles as well. -9
Aminiasi Tuimaba- Gave his all. He not only ran in tries after tries but he tackled hard as well. -8
Alasio Naduva- A great sub as he comes in to score some great tries. Always giving his best but has to cut out individual plays like kicking the ball to the opposition. -8
Terio Tamani- The Ravitaki terrier from Kadavu, is a little man with a big heart. Strong in defence and dictated play well from the playmaker’s berth and is beginning to show that his capable of making the run on team. -7
RESULTS (FINALS)
13th Place Playoff: Spain 19-14 Wales; Challenge Trophy: Scotland 26-24 Japan; 5th Place Playoff: Argentina 21-14 New Zealand; Bronze Final: Samoa 10-22 USA
Edited by Sheldon Chanel
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
