NZI Sevens once again a huge success in Wellington as city looks to retain event

There are rumours abound that arguably the most successful event on the IRB Sevens circuit, the Wellington Sevens, will find a new home in two years time – although based on the crowd over the holiday weekend just past, you wouldn’t bank on it! If anything, the news of Auckland and Dunedin bidding to host the tournament from 2012 onwards only spurred on the locals and tourists alike to ensure that this year’s event was the biggest, loudest and most entertaining the city has ever seen. And better still, that energy was mirrored on the pitch...

Right from the kick-off of the first match, a high-scoring affair between Samoa and France, through to an enthralling final, with Fiji retaining a crown they last won in 2006 over the battling Samoans, the on-field action was of the highest quality. Both South Sea Island teams, the Fijians particularly, played sevens rugby of the highest quality and both teams were thoroughly deserving of their finals places – the champions had brushed aside the challenge of a strong England side, last year’s champions, whilst the championship runners-up got the better of home team and tournament-favourites New Zealand.

The other finals on the Saturday were equally close-fought battles, with USA beating Tonga 17-14, Wales edging France 7-5, and Australia overhauling South Africa 26-22 in the Shield, Bowl and Plate finals respectively. As a result of the weekend, the standings in the overall table have tightened, with Fiji closing the gap at the top with New Zealand to four points, and Samoa and Australia both creeping in the standings.

For those who weren’t able to witness the action in the stadium, or who wanted to enjoy the day in the city before heading to Westpac, Fan Sites were set up by Nvisage Media and Wellington City Council over the entire weekend. As well as a huge screen on the stadium concourse, giant LED videos were positioned at bustling Queen’s Wharf and the Embassy Theatre respectively, along with a fourth at Waitangi Park for the Friday and the subsequent Waitangi Day Festival. This was then moved to Courtenay Place for the finals, where events continued until the early hours of the morning, with over 40,000 people enjoying the annual street party.

Without question, 2010 was the biggest Sevens to date, and no doubt we will be saying the same about 2011 next year – and, based on this weekend, for many years to come, as anyone wishing to take on the capital as a future host has a monumental task on their hands...