Be rest assured as we know the feeling amongst the rugby fans at home and we are hungry for a WIN.
Those are the words of the Digicel Fiji 7's management team ahead of the 2008 Hong Kong 7's opening pool game against Korea tonight.
While history is on Fiji's side with our 7s team winning the Hong Kong 7s title 9 times and the Kiwis on 8 occasions, the past 5 year record does not favor any of the two teams.
Fiji last won in Son Kon Po in 1999 when we beat New Zealand 21-12 in the final where current 7's captain Marika Vunibaka single handedly destroyed the Gordon Tietjens coached side with two tries while the 3rd one was scored by Vili Satala.
The Kiwis on the other hand last tasted victory in 2001 in HK when they thrashed Fiji 29-5 with the late Ratu Kitione Vesikula in charge of the team.
The biggest question for the national side when they take the field in this weekend's Hong Kong 7s is whether current coach Josateki Savou can produce the results after failing in his last 4 IRB 7s outings.
The Happy Valley ground has not brought joy to Savou both as a player and as an assistant coach to Waisale Serevi apart from the World Cup 7s win back in 2005.
Savou made his debut in Hong Kong in 1994 when Fiji lost to NZ in the semi-final.
The past two years results are not in his favor where he was Serevi's assistant as they lost in the final in 2006 to England 26-24 and to Samoa last year 27-22.
Speaking to Fijivillage Sports after wrapping up their preparations last night, Savou said the side is fully aware of the importance of winning the Hong Kong 7's title.
Also Captain Marika Vunibaka who has not lost in Hong Kong in his four appearances in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2005 has called on the fans to have faith in his team. Vunibaka who is returning to the Fiji team after a lapse of 3 years believes that the team has what it takes to end our losing streak.
The message from 7's rugby sensation William Ryder was simple on what rugby fans should expect from the team.
Our warriors in HK for the first game are Marika Vunibaka, Setefano Cakau, Mosese Volavola, Emosi Vucago, William Ryder, Ratunaisa Narukutabua and Nasoni Roko. Fiji's opening pool game tonight is at 9.14pm against Korea. Tomorrow afternoon at 5.26pm Fiji will take on Zimbabwe and at 9.50pm we face Wales.
Stage Set for HK 7’s
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