Preview: Tokyo Sevens

Fiji’s victory in the Hong Kong tournament last weekend moved them to within two points of their opponents in the Cup Final, New Zealand, at the top of the current IRB Sevens World Series standings.

With a further 19 and 22 points separating the leaders from third and fourth placed teams South Africa and England, this weekend in Tokyo, round seven of nine, could prove decisive in where the 13th World Series title will be heading.

“This weekend could be the decider of the World Series,” admitted New Zealand captain DJ Forbes.

“You would like to think it is between us two [New Zealand and Fiji]. But we have been in a position where we have snuck in there late, and we know South Africa and England will be keen to jump in there.

“It will be a big ask for them. We will try and make it a two-horse race and hopefully put ourselves on top.”

Despite losing 35-28 to Fiji in Hong Kong, it was New Zealand’s fifth Cup final in the six rounds on the 2011/12 Sevens World Series, and their third against the islanders.

Fiji proved too strong for Gordon Tietjens’ side at the Gold Coast Sevens, before the defending Series champions avenged that defeat on home soil at the New Zealand Sevens, but what does Forbes see as their closest rivals’ main strengths?

“They are tough. In terms of flair and being born to play the game, Fiji are right up there. They have natural ability, they love the game, and they have the fans behind them.

“It has always been a heated battle between us but there haven’t be as many rivalries recently as maybe back in the day. But this year we have met in three finals and despite losing twice it is exciting and we are still on top of the Series.”

Forbes opposite number, Fiji captain Setefano Cakau, buoyed by lifting his first ever Hong Kong Sevens title is also thriving on the rivalry between his side and New Zealand.

“Since we are now just two points behind New Zealand, our preparation is higher ahead of Tokyo because we want to be on top of the table,” said Cakau.

“Before Hong Kong, before we left Fiji, our aim was to be at the top of the table at the end of these two tournaments, and to go on to win the Series this year.

“It is only two points, but it is a big job ahead for us.”

Despite their rich history with Sevens, Fiji have won just one World Series title, back in 2006.

But with momentum from their victory in Hong Kong last weekend and a second Cup final victory against New Zealand under their belts, Cakau is confident his side can overhaul the deficit.

“It’s a big thing for Fiji because over the years we have been known for Sevens,” added Cakau. “We are wanting this year to win it, for Fiji, and for Fiji Sevens.”

“We know New Zealand is a tough team so it is always hard for us when we play them but I always tell the boys to stretch themselves in games against them.

“Beating them twice in Cup finals boosts our morale, and keeps building it, so at the end of the Series we will be up there and win the title.”

Having finished as the top two seeds in Hong Kong, Fiji have been drawn in Pool A alongside hosts Japan, and the two Dubai Sevens cup finalists England and France.

New Zealand are in Pool B and joined by last week’s hosts Hong Kong, USA and trans-Tasman rivals Australia.

Schedule:

Day One:
(Kick-off is local time – GMT plus nine hours)
Match 1: New Zealand v United States (10.00)
Match 2: Australia v Hong Kong (10.22)
Match 3: Argentina v Kenya (10.44)
Match 4: Wales v Russia (11.06)
Match 5: South Africa v Scotland (11.28)
Match 6: Samoa v Portugal (11.50)
Match 7: Fiji v France (12.12)
Match 8: England v Japan (12.34)
Match 9: New Zealand v Hong Kong (13.35)
Match 10: Australia v United States (13.57)
Match 11: Argentina v Russia (14.19)
Match 12: Wales v Kenya (14.41)
Match 13: South Africa v Portugal (15.03)
Match 14: Samoa v Scotland (15.25)
Match 15: Fiji v Japan (15.47)
Match 16: England v France (16.09)
Match 17: United States v Hong Kong (16.35)
Match 18: Kenya v Russia (16.57)
Match 19: Scotland v Portugal (17.19)
Match 20: France v Japan (17.41)
Match 21: New Zealand v Australia (18.03)
Match 22: Argentina v Wales (18.25)
Match 23: South Africa v Samoa (18.47)
Match 24: Fiji v England (19.09)