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On Monday 24 March 1997, the Fiji Times published an article reporting on Vaisare Serevi lifting the Melrose Cup after Fiji beat South Africa 24-21 to win the Rugby Sevens World Cup at the Hong Kong Stadium.
“It’s a huge honour to win the World Cup for my country,” the delighted Highlands native told reporters after the match.
“When we won the Hong Kong Sevens three times in a row (1990, 1991, 1992), we had a National Day to celebrate.
“Maybe this time, we should have a month.”
At 28, Serewi has fulfilled a promise to his country and his two daughters back home.
“Before Friday’s match, I promised my two daughters back home in Suva that I would do my best to bring the World Cup home to them.”
“I have fulfilled that promise.”
He ended the three-day tournament at the Hong Kong Stadium with a score of 117, becoming the highest-scoring player and was officially crowned the King of Sevens.
Fiji came back from 14-0 down to tie the game in the second half and then pulled away.
Serevi gave the credit to God and attributed the victory to the team’s good preparation.
The jerseys they wore the day before had a Bible verse from Philippians chapter 4, verse 13 printed on the front.
Here’s a verse from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Serevi says it’s their secret weapon.
“We won the World Cup through Christ,” he said.
Teammate Manassa Barry cried tears of joy on the turf at the Hong Kong Stadium after the spectacular final. The winger was overwhelmed by Serevi’s brilliant leadership, but it was fourth time lucky for Barry, who has never won a game since his debut in 1994.
Fiji coach Rupeni Ravonu motivated his players to focus at halftime.
When the team was trailing 14-7, he said, “The wind is heading your way now, take advantage of it.”
After the final whistle of the game, coach Tomasi Kama carried Serevi on his shoulders and walked around the field, encouraging the players not to lose hope and strive to score more points.
“Obviously that would be Mr Serevi,” England coach Les Cusworth said at the start of the tournament.
“Serevi will bring the Melrose Cup to the birthplace of world rugby sevens.”
Fiji defeated South Korea in the quarter-finals and came from behind to beat Western Samoa in the semi-finals.
The United States won the bowl game, while Tonga won the set game with help from Fijian winger Fero Lasagavibau.
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