Tough, New 7s Format
Another first in the 45th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s where only winners clash in pool play, Teams get bonus points if they are not carded
Tuesday 16 March 2021 | 11:47
Marist Rugby Club president, Lawrence Tikaram (front 4th from left), and Paradise Beverages General managersales and cooperate affairs, Joe Rodan Snr, General Manager, Michael Spencer and Fiji Bitter Marist 7s coordinator, Koli Korovulavula during the launching in Suva on March 15, 2021 . Photo: Sereana Salalo
Teams participating in the 45th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament will only know of the first team they are going to meet in their pool.
If a team wins their first game, they will play the team which also wins their game in their same pool.
If they continue to win they will play a winner from another pool in a crossover.
The format is designed for matches to be competitive from pool play.
The new format in the Sapphire Anniversary was highlighted by tournament coordinator, Koli Korovulavula at the launch in Suva yesterday.
Fiji’s biggest 7s event will feature 48 men’s teams, eight women’s teams and 18 Under-21 teams next week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at ANZ Stadium, Suva.
Teams will also receive bonus points if they are not copped any cards during their match.
“For the Sapphire Anniversary, we have decided to change the format. We have incorporated things that are of value to the management of our main team,” he said.
“If cards are issued it goes directly into competition points.
“We’ve created a card bonus, if a team plays without being carded, they get a bonus point for that.
“That will come into play before we work on the points’ differential in the end.
“We’ve noticed the high number of cards being issued in the Super 7s Series tournaments recently, so we would like to help curb that.”
The teams are put into 12 pools of four teams. The top 16 teams will play in the elimination.
“We will set them on their path only in the first game, after the first game they decide on their own. It depends whether they win or lose,” Korovulavula said.
“After that they are the masters of their own destinies, depending on the result of their first game.
“The winners will start playing each other in the second game in the same pool.
“For the third game they go across the pool, whichever team is winning.
“The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s will always be the toughest and biggest tournament in Fiji.
“Once the fourth pool games are over, we will know the undefeated ones in all 48 teams.
“From there we will sort out their points then will play in the elimination the next day.”
Marist Rugby president Lawrence Tikaram said: “We have a new format to bring about excitement. Managers need to step up to grasp the new format and most importantly to know the rules and regulations of the tournament.
“It is being brought about to bring more competition but also at the same time provide each one an equal opportunity.”
For the 48 teams in the main Cup comp, 32 new teams have come in, which shows the extent of grassroots development.
“Teams come from as far as Yasawa, Moala for the very first time as well as Kadavu.
“It shows the depth of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s which again sends accolades to all those that have built this tournament over the years.
“From our volunteers, event directors but also from our major sponsor who has been with us for the last 45 years, it’s the strength that we continue to grow.”
Tikaram indicated that without major sponsor like Paradise Beverages, it would be difficult to continue this legacy.
In the ladies division, there are five new entries while the Under- 18-21, has been increased to 18 teams with 14 are new entries as well.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
