While Fiji's ever popular players were the toast of Wellington last night as they swooped to Cup glory at the NZI Sevens, off the pitch the event also delivered on its promise to 'make the fan the hero'.

Once again the Westpac Stadium rocked and the fancy dress costumes reached new levels of imagination and illumination as New Zealand's capital enjoyed its biggest annual party.

Among the new sights and sounds at the Sevens this year was an air force helicopter, which swooped down onto the pitch during one of the entertainment breaks to drop off a troop of grateful cheerleaders.

For once, the crowd was almost stunned into silence..

"This does an immense amount for Wellington, it brings lots of visitors to Wellington, about 45,000, and it reminds visitors - especially from elsewhere in New Zealand and also Australia - that Wellington is a city that you can come back to and enjoy again and again," said David Perks, Chief Executive of Positively Wellington Tourism.

"The Sevens brings around $15 million of new spend to the city, fills the hotels and it paints the picture for the rest of the year that this is what Wellington is about."

On the pitch, the action matched up to the renowned entertainment. Samoa produced an awesome display to knock out the hosts New Zealand and Fiji ended England's title defence with another ruthless display.

In the final the two South Sea Island nations laid on a breathtaking spectacle for the 35,000 fans, the vast majority of them New Zealanders but all of whom stayed until the final whistle.

"It was an awesome final, credit to Samoa they really pushed us but I could have asked for more. We needed to be patient with the pill, throw it around and look for gaps - I'm speechless," said Fiji's coach Iliesa Tanivula while fighting back the tears.

"To everyone back home, it's been marvellous with the boys. Thanks for your support and your prayers."

IRB

* Get USA Sevens & Super 14 rugby news & live updates/results on your phone. Txt VRUG to 333 now.

Back to Home

Print