Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Classic Encounter

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Classic Encounter - Fiji vs Barbarians 1991 Hong Kong Sevens

Occasionally we get contributions and links sent in of rare archive footage that's been converted to digital and uploaded to be shared with the rugby world. This is the case with this great clip from the 1991 Hong Kong Sevens.

The superstar Fijians came up against a talented Barbarians in the Semi Final of the 1991 Hong Kong Sevens tournament. The BaaBaa's last won the tournament in 1981, so all was to play for.

They had a mix of players, mainly English, that included the likes of Jeremy Guscott, Will Carling, Rupert Moon, Mick Skinner, and Andrew Harriman.

The flying Harriman, who we saw burn David Campese in the 1993 tournament, scored a classic try as he rounded the Fijians with his blistering pace.

It was mainly about the men in white though, as they possessed fire power in the form of Tomasi Cama, Noa Nadruku, and a young Waisale Serevi, who himself went on to once again pick up player of the tournament.

Naduku's try, which featured many passes changing hand from the kickoff, must surely be one of the best tries ever seen on the Sevens stage.

Fiji were too good on the day, with this classic match ending 22-14. They went on to beat New Zealand 18-14 in the final, picking up yet another Hong Kong Sevens title.

:: Related Posts ::
History of Rugby World Cup Sevens - Part 2

Time: 09:14

Great... the try when the commentator says the barbarians didnt touch the ball at all.... amazing handling!

By nomex, at July 15, 2009 11:31 am
What a match, looking at this 7s hasnt progressed much over the years, its possibly even went backwards. I would love to see international 7s with the likes of BOD, Du Preez and giteau playing

By Bibblesworth, at July 15, 2009 12:46 pm
WOW what an amazing try! they used switches superbly!

By Anonymous, at July 15, 2009 1:09 pm
tomasi cama there in the video is anything related with tomasi cama that plays in our days for new zealand?

By Anonymous, at July 15, 2009 2:46 pm
Amazing try.

By Anonymous, at July 15, 2009 3:17 pm
Tomasi Cama in this vid, playing for Fiji, is Tomasi Cama's father.

By Greiffel, at July 15, 2009 3:35 pm
LOL at Mick "the Munch" Skinner chasing shadows!!!

or as Mike Teague called him: "Hollywood."

By Anonymous, at July 15, 2009 4:20 pm
Bibblesworth: I don't think it's that 7s has gone backwards over the years, I think it's just that no 7s team can really compare to the Fijian team of the early 90s.

By Felix, at July 15, 2009 10:07 pm
Felix,

Exactly right. Back before professionalism, and before the RWC really took off, events like the HK 7s were the only place where teams and players from all over could really test their mettle.

Nowadays, the events are diluted, and talent is spread out and/or conflicted.

Imagine if:
- every pro club would have to release anyone for 1 month prior to HK 7s
- If the IRB circuit didn't exist (because it does, then 7s coaches must look to developing continuity throughout the season, rather than simply picking an all-star team for the HK 7s)

7s today is much more scripted and team-based. The players don't have the same individual class as the Lomus, Campos, and Serevis. However, they play within a structure, making them a better squad than simply picking one-offs for a game of footy..

Unless of course you are Fiji, and you just pick some volleyballer, or heck some street vendor.

By cheyanqui, at July 16, 2009 12:22 am
the Nandruko try is mesmeric.

great skill levels.

love rare footage like this,

thanks RD!

By Anonymous, at July 16, 2009 2:04 am
Rugbydump thank u.... i thoroughly enjoyed that, no more vids like "the broussouw bounce" please

By Anonymous, at July 16, 2009 2:26 am
Hey, to anybody out there. I'm an expat living in HK at the moment, and I must say that the HK 7's has to be the most entertaining tournament of the year, whether you're there for the rugby or not. But I didn't live here in the early 90's so could anybody tell me where this was being played

(or is that what the government stadium used to look like back then?)

By Anonymous, at July 16, 2009 9:05 am
Nadruku, Cama, Serevi

amazing players

By boomshanka, at July 17, 2009 4:09 am
Holy shit that was some beautiful running

By Anonymous, at July 17, 2009 2:22 pm