Redemption for Baber as fantastic Fiji blitz Springboks in Hong Kong Sevens Cup final

The hallowed turf of Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday was the site of some redemption for Fiji and of the resurrection of their coach as the islanders claimed their 17th Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens crown – and their third in a row – with a 22-0 victory over South Africa.

Arriving in town without a tournament victory in this Sevens World Series – almost unthinkable for the faithful who follow the Rio gold medallists with seven legs already played – had seen rumours spread that their magical skills might be on the wane.

There were shadows of doubt also creeping around one-time Hong Kong coach Gareth Baber who had taken over Fiji back in January, after the three-year reign of Ben Ryan which has already become the stuff of legend.

Across the course of a final day of high drama the air was cleared in both cases as Fiji grew in stature and skill the longer the tournament progressed.

“There’s been a lot of pressure,” revealed skipper Osea Kolinisau, draped in a winner’s medal and soaked in champagne.

“We told ourselves we’re going to gun for it like it was our first Hong Kong title.