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Nick Jordan, Suva

Match 25 - Bowl Quarter-Finals -  Veiyasana Malaysian Fijians 10 Northern Sharks 7
Veiyasana started proceedings early on Day Three with a close victory over the Northern Sharks.

There were more players than spectators in the ground at the 08:45 kickoff to see the Malaysian-based players take the lead through Michael Nabuliwaqa’s fifth try of the tournament.

Nemani Turagaulau got on the scoresheet to give the Sharks a 7-5 lead, however Veiyasana winger Leone Naimawi sprinted clear to put his side back in front and into the Bowl semi finals.

The Sharks, a wild card entrant, drop to the Shield.

Match 26 - Bowl Quarter-Finals - Manawatu 19 Army 12
Manawatu, the sole New Zealand team, improved overnight to beat an Army team that had drawn with the highly-rated Police on Day Two.

Karl Bryson, Manawatu’s playmaker, scored first but the Army struck back with a break out from their own 22 to level it at 5-5.

With an Army man in the sin bin, Michael Tambour strolled in under the posts and the green and whites took a 12-5 lead into the break.

Sensing their first win of the tournament, Lasa Ulukutu broke a tackle to go under the bar for Manawatu and they held out despite a try to Jolame Bera and a desperate Army attempt for a long range try.

Match 27 -  Bowl Quarter-Finals - Tonga 19 Samoa Barbarians 12
Samoa’s miserable run at the Festival continued at the hands of their Pacific rivals.

Needing a win to get their campaign back on track the Samoans conceded a runaway try to Siosiua Ma’afu.

Ofisa Treviranus replied from the kick off to reduce the deficit to 5-7, however Tongan captain David Halaifonua extended the lead at half time to 14-5.

IRB record holder Uale Mai (61 tournaments) tried to mastermind a comeback but the Tongan defence held firm.

Tatafu Na’aniumotu’s late try, despite a consolation score to Treviranus, gave the Tongans their first win in Suva and relegated the Samoans to the Shield.

Match 28 - Bowl Quarter-Finals - Papua New Guinea 17 Western Force 12
The popular PNG, again fielding Waisale Serevi, comfortably beat the Perth Super 14 franchise in the final Bowl quarter final.

Kojo Ware produced a blistering run to open their account and David Eri made it 12-0 shortly after,

A Serevi intercept sparked a stunning try to Elijah Riyong, where six of the team handled on the way to the tryline, and the crowd saluted their favourite son, who took over as the PNG coach in August.

Filipe Manu got the Force on the board before half time, but at 17-5 the Menjals looked to be in the box seat.

Manu burst away for his second to give the Force hope at 12-17 and they threw everything into the final few minutes.

However, solid defence saw the line remain intact and a satisfied coach.

“We are working on our defensive pattern and our ball retention which is very important in Sevens,” Serevi said. “If you don’t make your tackles you are making it hard for the other boys to cover for you.”

“It’s good to be home and the standard is very good. Little teams are beating big teams such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga and that is great for the local players, many playing on the Stadium for the first time.”

Match 29 - Cup Quarter-Finals - Waimanu 12 Canada Maple Leafs 10
The young Canadians nearly caused a boilover in the first Cup quarterfinal.

Canada started strongly and Nathan Hirayama burst over from close range to take the lead 5-0. Waimanu broke out from their own half to send Saula Colaiwau in for the equaliser.

Brodie Henderson spilled the ball as Canada swung onto attack again but minutes later Phil Mack’s exquisite chip kick and chase resulted in a second to Hirayama and a half time lead of 10-5.

Waimanu captain Jo Nakaira continued his great form of yesterday to score under the posts after a tap penalty and the conversion gave Waimanu a 12-10 lead.

As the midday heat took its toll the Canadian defence hung on, not allowing speed merchant David Batiratu any space, but neither could they find their own way through.

Finally, as the hooter sounded, Canada raced 90 metres from their own line to bring the crowd to their feet, but couldn’t finish and the home team scraped into the semi final.

Match 30 – Cup Quarter-Finals - Suva 19 Police 5
The host club delighted the crowd that had grown to 7500-strong with a come-from-behind win over the Police.

Another tight encounter saw neither side gain the ascendancy in the first half until Police winger Jasa Kadivuka was given space on the outside right on the hooter.

Down 0-5, Suva dominated the second spell scoring three unanswered tries, two to star player Patrick Osborne and the third to former Fijian rep Sakenasa Aca.

Sadly for the Police, winger Naiasa Moala, the scorer of three tries in pool play, was stretchered off during the second half.

Match 31 - Cup Quarter-Finals - Fiji Barbarians 19 Ratu Filise 5
Fiji’s shadow national side safely negotiated their way into the semi finals, without looking totally convincing against club side Ratu Filise.

Filise swept onto attack immediately and Joave Saqaboto was on hand to score the opener.

A good Osea Kolinisau tackle denied Filise again and from the defensive lineout, the tall figure of Seremaia Burotu strode 50 metres to put Fiji into the lead 7-5.

Kilinisau won an exciting race to a touch down, just dotting down before the ball went dead, and Fiji stretched out to 12-5 at half time.

Captain Emosi Vucago had a hand in Burotu’s second and Votu went close to the corner, however that was the end of the action.

Kolinisau was assisted off after a heavy collision and a number of penalties peppered the final minutes, but Fiji had done enough to progress to the next stage.

Match 32 - Cup Quarter-Finals - USA Cougars 12 Wardens 10
USA coach Al Caravelli rotated his starting lineup and the return of Kevin Swiryn paid off as he stretched out for the first try, from a penalty close to the Wardens line, and was denied a second from a forward pass.

The Wardens’ first time in the USA 22 resulted in a try to Mataki Fabiano but Swiryn got a lucky bounce on the hooter to stroll over for the try and the 12-5 lead.

NFL convert, and Olympic 400m hurdles finalist, Bennie Brazell looked bemused to be given a yellow card by James Bolabiau and the man advantage saw Elia Nasa narrow the gap to two points.

Brazell showed a glimpse of his speed and revealed his entire rugby knowledge was what he has learned in the last week!

“I’m learning and enjoying it,” said the Houston native. “Al (Caravelli) has told me to be patient and his support is great. I’m just here to play!”

Match 33 - Shield Semi-Finals - Army 26 Northern Sharks 12
Army were untroubled by the boys from the North in the Shield semi final.

Army Jone Mudu opened the scoring before the Sharks fumbled an opportunity to draw level. Mudu capitalised by setting up Apenisa Kabu for a runaway try, and at 14-0 the Army were in complete control.

Ilai Tinai took his try tally in the tournament to five and the hooter sounded with the Army up 21-0.

The dominance continued in the second term with Kabu’s second, although the Sharks hit back through Emori Vosamana and Nemani Biu to finish the stronger.

Match 34 – Shield Semi-Finals - Samoa 24 Western Force 22
Western Force’s debut on the international Sevens scene ended without a win despite a great start against the shadow Samoan side.

Former Australian Sevens representative Filipe Manu again showed out with a 60m run for the opening try and Ted Postal latched onto a Samoan error to take the score to 12-0.

Samoa manufactured a score to Apelu Fa’aiuga and changed ends 5-12 in arrears.

A busting run by Ofisa Treviranus set up Fa’aiuga for his second to draw level, and when the Force dropped the kick off, Uale Mai’s deft cross kick saw a try to Alefasi Tupou and the lead.

Falemiga Selesele scored as the floodgates started to open, but Luke Jones and then Manu fought hard to both touch down in the corner and restore Force pride.

The Force were acknowledged by the large crowd but will be doing well to be invited back on the strength of these results.

Match 35 - Bowl Semi-Finals - Manawatu 12 Veiyasana Malaysian Fijians 10
Manawatu continued their resurgence with a deserved victory over Veiyasana.

Veiyasana’s William Rasileka broke a tackle to score the opening try but a yellow card to Benedito Koroi allowed Manawatu to attack and Mike Rowe was on the end of the chain to go under the posts.

New Zealand Sevens player Nigel Hunt converted to take a 7-5 lead which they held until half time.

Seniyasi Mata struck early in the second half as the lead went back to Veiyasana, only for Manawatu to disrupt a defensive scrum and send Bertus Mulder over to nudge themselves back in front.

Both sides were guilty of turnovers and both had their chances as the clock wound down.

However, Manawatu hung on to their narrow 12-10 lead keep the flag flying for the Kiwis.

Match 36 - Bowl Semi-Finals - Tonga 12 Papua New Guinea 10
The two national teams produced an entertaining semi final which included glimpses of the old Serevi magic.

The Maestro went in for the opening try and the score remained 5-0 at the break, despite plenty of action at both ends.

Tatafu Na’aniumotu silenced the crowd with a converted try to put Tonga in the lead and teammate Muli Pangai was dragged down inches short.

Serevi found himself on the wing and went in for his second try in front of his adoring fans and regain the lead at 10-7.

When Alex Haija was sinbinned, Tonga exploited the Menjals out wide and Siaosi Iongi stole the victory with a try in the corner.

The two teams may meet again in the IRB Wellington Sevens in a fortnight. PNG play Fiji, Australia and Scotland in Pool B while Tonga are in Pool B with England, Kenya and the USA.

Match 37 – Plate Semi-Finals Canada Maple Leafs 24 Police 7
Canada showed they will be a handy side at Wellington in a fortnight when they put four tries past the Police.

Clever work by captain Phil Mack set up a try to Brodie Henderson and an early 7-0 lead, and shortly after the Canadians capitalised on a Police player in the sin bin when Sean Duke crossed for the second.

Up 12-0 at half time, Canada had to watch Jasa Kadivuka gallop down the touch line to reduce the deficit to five points.

But with Mack in everything, Duke crossed for his second to go to 17-7 and the captain scampered away for a well-deserved try that sealed the victory.

Match 38 – Plate Semi-Finals - Ratu Filise 21 Wardens 12
Ratu Filise edged Wardens to join Canada in the Plate final, coming from behind to do so.

The teams traded early scores, Sitiveni Natoatagane and Elia Nasa for the Wardens and Mitieli Tokalau for Ratu Filise, giving the prison officers a 12-7 half time lead.

However Filise came good in the second spell and two tries to Sailosi Rabonaqica, both converted, put them through to a rematch of the Pool D clash against the North Americans.

Match 39 – Cup Semi-Finals -  Waimanu 22 Suva 19
The two stand out local teams turned on a breathtaking semi final, with flyers Patrick Osborne (Suva) and David Batiratu (Waimanu) providing a stunning exhibition of Sevens speed.

Amenisi Niukula set up Osborne for the opening try, despite being chased hard by Peni Rokodiva, but a mistake from the kick off allowed Batiratu to race around the defence and put Joe Nakaira over for Waimanu’s first.

Nakaira stepped beautifully for his second under the posts to give Waimanu a 12-7 lead but another scorching Osborne run, and an over-the-shoulder pass from Joeli Nabogikolo, saw Levani Mataivilia level the scores at 12-12 at half time.

Batiratu kicked ahead and won the foot race to the ball to score and extend the lead, although limped off soon after, and Niukula exploited a hole in the Waimanu defence to take Suva ahead 19-17.

Waimanu claimed the lead back for the third time when replacement Waisale Tora went over in the corner and Suva couldn’t manage one final break through.

Both teams deserved a place in the final, but the host club was the one that had to concede defeat in the best match of the tournament.

Match 40 – Cup Semi Finals -  Fiji Barbarians 33 USA Cougars 5
Suva farewelled the USA as the shadow Fiji national side eased into the Cup final.

Waisale Beci opened the scoring for Fiji but Nese Malifa raced through a gap, sending Nick Edwards away and having the move finished by captain Kevin Swiryn to level the scores.

Osea Koilinisau ran 50 metres to set up Watisoni Votu for Fiji’s second, which was converted, and give the home side a 12-5 lead at the break.

Leading from the front, Emosi Vucago forced his way over for the first points of the second half and both teams rung the changes in the Suva heat.

As the Cougars tired, Niumaia Cakacaka and Josevata Bole added further tries to ensure the victory for Fiji, albeit with a somewhat flattering scoreline.

The two sides will play a rematch in less than a month as they are drawn in the same pool at the inaugural IRB Las Vegas Sevens in mid-February.

Match 41 – Shield Final -  Samoa Barbarians 28 Army 7
It was one way traffic for Samoa as they claimed the Shield before beating a hasty retreat to catch the plane to their homeland.

Falemiga Selesele was set up by Jerry Meafou for the opening try and Ofisa Treviranus picked up his fifth of the tournament just prior to the break.

Samoa doubled their 14-0 half time lead through two tries to newcomer Sani Niue before the Army gained a consolation score to Esala Vakatekau.

The Samoans just had time for the traditional cibi tau before their farewell and will be pleased to head home on a winning note after three surprising losses.

Match 42 – Bowl Final - Manawatu 17 Tonga 12
Captain Karl Bryson led the way for Manawatu as they defeated Tonga in a pedestrian Bowl final.

Both sides had won their quarter and semi finals by identical scores (19-12 and 12-10 respectively) and the energy expended in the earlier rounds seemed to take its toll.

Lisali Uasi gave Tonga the lead and Etisona Hefa added another before Mike Rowe got out of second gear to race away for Manawatu’s first.

Tonga went into the break 12-5 ahead but saw that eroded when Nigel Hunt finished a nice team try and Bryson added an even better conversion.

With time almost up Bryson scrambled over in the corner to break the 12-12 deadlock.

The green and whites celebrated a successful Day Three, which saw them win three out of three and restore some provincial pride, with a series of haka in front of the appreciative crowd.

Match 43 – Plate Final -  Ratu Filise 27 Canada Maple Leafs 12
A rematch of the Pool D clash saw Ratu Filise exact their revenge and win the Plate.

Sitiveni Toatagane burgled an early try and Joave Saqaboto doubled the lead from an attacking scrum.

Sean Duke was given space and made no mistake to score and narrow the deficit to 5-10 but when Canada’s Conor Trainor dropped the ball over the line, Jo Ravueta finished a 100-metre move to strike a further blow just before halftime.

A Filise sin binning, for a high tackle, gave Canada an opportunity but instead Toagatane broke clear to score his second and effectively finish the Canadian challenge at 20-5.

From the kick off Toatagane completed his hat trick as the Maple Leafs dropped off although Taylor Paris, 17, scored his first try for Canada late in the match.

However, coach Morgan Williams was pleased overall in the build up to Wellington.

“To make the top eight in an international tournament with the sides that are here is great,” said the former scrum half. “The Fijian sides that are here, six of them in the top eight, could knock off teams on the IRB circuit.

“We’re not that happy with the final, but I’m proud of the way the guys played. All the guys, young and old, all played well. The guys have had a great time, the support has been fantastic and we’d love to be back next year.”

Williams will name his squad for Wellington soon after the team returns to Canada.

“We’ve got a few other guys coming in for Wellington however a lot of these guys will feature.”

Match 44 – Cup Final - Fiji Barbarians 45 Waimanu 0
Normal service was resumed when the Fiji Barbarians easily won the Cup over the club team that had upset them in Pool A.

After a torrid opening Fiji gained a 7-0 advantage through Osea Kolinisau, and his terrific side stepping resulted in his second shortly afterwards.

The Fijian winger, who made his IRB debut at London last year, was in sensational form, stealing the ball in a maul, sprinting into the Waimanu 22 and setting up Jiuta Lutumailagai for the try just before the break.

Waimanu received a blow when playmaker Peni Rokodiva Jr hobbled off but it made little difference as Fiji dominated the second spell.

Setefano Cakau sprinted clear to make the game safe at 28-0, while Fiji’s defence shut down any promising Waimanu moves.

Seremaia Burotu forced a turnover to score Fiji’s fifth before Kolinisau nonchalantly dropped a goal to demonstrate their superiority.

In the evening sun, William Ryder was given space to take the score to 45-0 (the highest of the tournament) and see the trophy awarded to captain Emosi Vucago.