Serevi was Fiji

Fiji Times - Monday, March 31, 2008 7:48 AM

AS Fiji stumbled yet again under the leadership of Jo Savou last night, Hong Kong Sevens 2008 winning coach Gordon Tietjens saluted two Fijians including the king of the code Waisale Serevi.

The Digicel sponsored side was butchered 0-34, Fiji's worst ever defeat at the hands of the Kiwis, in the semi-final at So Kon Po. Fiji's lack of creativity and set-piece woes paved the way for Tietjens men to break a seven-year jinx. They beat South Africa 26-12 in the cup final to virtually seal the 2007/2008 IRBSevens World Series.

Serevi, who now coaches Chinese Taipei, was named by Tietjens in his all-time best seven players to graze the Happy Valley paddock.

Together with him is 1990 and 1992 hero Mesake Rasari. Serevi, who visited the Fiji team camp after the demoralising defeat to the Kiwis last night, revealed to Times Sport that Hong Kong hadn't seen the last of him as a player.

"I will play here one more time in the Fiji jersey before I hang up my boots," the 39-year-old two-time World Cup Sevens champion said.

"I have Fiji at heart and will bring back glory one more time to the people, the vanua and chiefs of our island paradise, the rightful and ever-so-loving owners of the world champions in the sevens code."

Also part of the Tietjens squad is Rasari, Eric Rush, Jonah Lomu, Amasio Raoma, Christian Cullen and David Campese.

Tietjens is the most successful coach on the IRB Sevens World Series and has led New Zealand to numerous victories around the world.

Seven of the eight IRB Sevens World Series titles have gone to New Zealand on his watch, as well as one Rugby World Cup Sevens title in 2001 in Mar del Plata and all three Commonwealth Games golds contested so far.

Tietjens described Serevi as quick, athletic and a player with "magical skills". He said Serevi was a "thorn" to the New Zealand side as a player and later as a coach.

"(Serevi) could beat a man one on one, no question whatsoever," Tietjens told irb.com.

"A great attacking player. He was one of those players who'd be scoring tries, sprinting back to defend, so fit, such a presence on a rugby field, he just commanded respect.

"He was the thorn in my side so often as a coach, he was the man you had to stop and won them so many games, and even up to one or two years ago.

"Even last year here in Hong Kong he scored the winning try against us, it was heart-breaking, but they called him the wizard and he was. "He deserves his aura here. He was Fiji."

Tietjens said Rasari, who was part of the Fiji team which won the Hong Kong title in 1990, 1991 and 1992, as one of the best in the abbreviated code.

"I always remember him as a youngster. He was big, athletic, such a wide range of skills as a Fijian," Tietjens described Rasari.

"Ball in one hand, very quick, a big loping stride. One of the most outstanding Fiji sevens rugby players I've ever seen."

Tietjens said Rush stood out for his knowledge of the game and leadership qualities.

He said Lomu, who played under Tietjens as an 18-year-old, was "just unbelievable" and a player with immense strength.