It will probably never get repeated but three HSBC World Series tournaments in three successive weekends, in three different continents, was testing to say the least.

Things like time zone changes, climatic pressure and long-haul travel are all part of the normal routine on the international sevens circuit. On top of this we had to walk the fine line between keeping on top of everything on the field in terms of training and conditioning but also ensuring enough mental and physical rest for everyone.

So, how did we think we fared? You can see the results and where we are in the table but are we happy with where we are going?

In most areas, I’d say we are delighted. Although we lost three players to injury in Port Elizabeth, none were significant and everyone should be fit for selection for the NZI Sevens in Wellington in February, our next destination.

Before the trip, I set two goals.

First, make sure by the end of the month we are there around the top of the table fighting for first spot. Only four points between the top four sides shows it’s going to be the most competitive series for years and we are one good result away from topping the pile with a long way to go.

Secondly, we wanted to win one of the opening tournaments. We did so in Dubai the hard way in reaching the final playing very well, beating two big rivals in Fiji and New Zealand and tactically getting it spot on.

It makes a significant difference to have players in your squad who have won tournaments. It breeds confidence and belief and perhaps more importantly, it feeds the desire to keep winning.

However, there were a few fish that did get away. Our loss to New Zealand in Port Elizabeth was hard to take. The Kiwis did exactly what we had done in Dubai a week earlier, bouncing back to win all six games and claim the next title.

Of course they are a good side and Gordon Tietjens made sure everyone was on the same page for the Port  Elizabeth tournament as you know he always will.

The competition between the two sides is intense and the games are always close. They have a formula against us that often gives them the upper hand and we think we have a way of playing them that also brings success so it’s a fascinating duel between the two teams.

I expect their squad to be considerably bolstered for Wellington so it’s going to be a great ding-dong for the season ahead.

The 12 core teams travel the world together which does foster a lot of relationships between sides but the competition and rivalry keeps most of that at arms length as everyone looks towards a winning programme.

Lots of our routines are the same. Fairly early starts and swim sessions seems uniform across the board and pre-match prep seems pretty similar. The differences occur in how we prepare the team physically, the style of play and the analysis.

On top of that a lot of countries now have full-time programmes. After our European adventure in the summer, it was good to see France and Wales play so well and show there isn’t an Oceania stranglehold on the game. Scotland were easily the unluckiest side not to hit the quarter finals and while we might not be quite brothers in arms politically with the rest of the continent, in sevens at least there was a collective feeling amongst us that  European Sevens is on a sharp rise.

Another continued work-on for us is our own style. Defensively we certainly had the most aggressive system in place and the games against Fiji showed what happens when you get your defence spot-on. That was really pleasing and it allows us to build on this in the coming weeks.

It also meant in attack it freed up some of our key players and you saw Isoa Damudamu, Dan Norton and Mat Turner in particular take advantage of that. Yet we still want more from our attack and there are still big work-ons to get to a level where we can unlock anyone at any time.

The technical things we are doing in training are really testing the players to reach new levels in game understanding and some are still very alien to them. It’s a bit of a crusade for me to continue to work on this and get them playing a style that really will add to what we are doing and not to worry about losing key players to injury as invariably will happen.

I’d say we are 50 per cent of the way there and most of it centres around the players getting more comfortable with altering the tempo we play at. It will eventually permeate through to our game and that’s another reason to get very excited about what is happening with England Sevens.

Make no bones about it. We were at a distinct disadvantage travel-wise compared with the other sides in the top four and while we didn’t get things 100 per cent right, it has been a great month.

The sevens game is undoubtedly the fastest moving international sport in the world off and on the field and we can proudly say we are one of the leading lights. The goal, though, is to be much more than that and after a couple of weeks off for the team, we will return to work harder than we ever have. Thanks for all the tremendous support. Come on England!

A superb second day performance saw Ben Ryan’s side overpower New Zealand 10-7 and Fiji 19-12 before a superb first half display in the final that ultimately clinched the title.

Isoa Damudamu – whose two tries sank Fiji in the semi final – struck early on then Dan Norton’s chip and chase and two touchdowns for Mat Turner put them 24-7 up at the interval and almost out of sight.

But France wing Renaud Delmas scored his second try early in the second half and France enjoyed long spells on top before England escaped to the other end of the field and Rob Vickerman pounced to see them safely home.

Earlier England opened up by beating Series champions New Zealand – then raised their game again against Fiji, who had won the opening leg of the series in Gold Coast.

Fijian-born centre Damudamu provided two vital tries in the first half after Emosi Vucago had opened the scoring for the islanders.

Turner then stretched the lead with a burst from the breakdown but England had to dig deep after Osea Kolinisau struck from long range and scramble for all they were worth in defence.

Earlier Turner and Norton edged them past New Zealand – England’s first win over the champions since their Dubai triumph of a year ago.

Norton’s sensational second half score – his sixth of the tournament – and Turner’s quick-thinking first half effort enabled them to come from 7-0 down after Tomasi Cama had struck early on.

On the opening day England saw off Zimbabwe (43-0), Kenya (19-12) and France (29-12), with Norton’s hat-trick in the final match sending them through as Pool C leaders.

Hard-running centre Fatiaki, recently named in the 35-man Fiji squad for the Rugby World Cup, will enhance the midfield options for Head Coach Richard Hill during the new Aviva Premiership season.

Rising star Fatiaki, who has been playing his rugby in Tailevu in Fiji, recently featured in the Pacific Nations Cup and scored his first-ever try for Fiji earlier this month against Samoa in Suva.

The 24-year-old, who made his debut for Fiji off the bench against Japan in 2009, also started at inside centre against the mighty All Blacks in Dunedin earlier today (Friday).

Fatiaki, who is 6ft and weighs 16st 1lb, is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Fijian rugby and is expected to join up with Warriors after the completion of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Head Coach Richard Hill said: “We have been looking for a player to bolster our midfield selection options this coming season and so we are pleased to announce that Ravai will now join us.

“He is rated as one of the rising stars of Fijian rugby and I have spoken at length to national coach Greg Mumm about him. Ravai is a powerful ball carrier who is very coachable and eager and keen to learn.

“Ravai is similar in many ways to a number of the Fijians who have been playing in France, like Gabriele Lovobalavu at Toulon and Seru Rabeni at La Rochelle.

“I also recently watched him play for Fiji as they beat Samoa where he really came into his own in the second half and capped a fine display with a try.

“We are always on the lookout for players that have the potential to be very good and can adapt to play the style in which I want the Warriors to play. This is a fantastic opportunity for Ravai to come over to England and develop his game at Sixways while experiencing a new culture and lifestyle.”

Fatiaki said: “I look forward to having a chance to play in a great competition like the Aviva Premiership. I’ve heard plenty of good things about Worcester and I know they’re an ambitious club. It’s a big opportunity and I’ll certainly be giving it my best.

“My focus at the moment is making the Fijian team to play in the Rugby World Cup. We had a big game this Friday against the All Blacks, which was a real challenge, and we’ve had some strong preparation including the Pacific Nations Cup, so hopefully we’ll do well.”

Wales are now set to play Ireland in the seventh place play-off at Treviso on Sunday (12.00 noon).          

There were three tries apiece, but Fiji were more disciplined on the night, with Wales giving away possession and crucial penalties.

Fiji were first on the scoreboard, with a penalty in the twelfth minute for wing Josateki Lalagavesi between two missed kicks for Matthew Morgan. Lalagavesi missed a second attempt before outside half Metuisela Talebula touched down for the first try, converted by Lalagavesi, taking the score to 10-0. Scarlets centre Dale Ford reduced the deficit with a try after 34 minutes, converted by Morgan, but Lalagavesi’s second penalty of the half took the half-time score to 13-7.

Both teams went down to 14 men for a period, first Fijian centre Solomoni Rasolea was yellow carded at the end of the first half, before Wales wing Liam Williams was sent to the sin bin six minutes into the second half.

Fiji extended their lead after the break with three more Lalagavesi penalties to one for Matthew Morgan early in the second half.

Wales mounted a mini comeback with tries for Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones and London Irish-bound Steve Shingler, but Matthew Morgan was unable to add the extras on this occasion.

Wales were never able to stamp their authority on the game and Fiji added two further tries of their own, a second for Talebula and one for replacement scrum half Eliki Sicinilawa, the first converted by Lalagavesi.Wales team manager Mark Taylor said, “Tonight’s performance was hugely disappointing. We totally underperformed and there are no excuses. “We lost our shape very quickly, we weren’t direct enough in our play and we didn’t follow the game plan. We kicked away too much ball, we made handling errors and basically enabled Fiji to score points through our mistakes. We have to look hard at ourselves as a group after this performance.”

Wales scorers: Tries: Dale Ford, Rhodri Jones, Steve Shingler; Con: Matthew Morgan; Pen: Matthew Morgan.
Yellow card: Liam Williams (46mins)

Fiji scorers: Tries: Talebula (2), Sicinilawa; Cons: Lalagavesi (2); Pens: Lalagavesi (5).
Yellow card: Rasolea (40mins)

Wales team: Ross Jones (Ospreys / Bridgend); Liam Williams (Llanelli), Dale Ford (Scarlets / Llanelli), Lewis Robling (Dragons / Newport), Eli Walker (Ospreys / Swansea, Steve Shingler London Irish); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys / Swansea), Lewis Jones (Blues / Pontypridd, Jonathan Evans Dragons / Newport); Rhodri Jones (Scarlets / Llanelli), Jamie Sollis (Dragons / Cross Keys), WillGriff John (Blues / Pontypridd, Will Taylor Ospreys / Swansea), Macauley Cook (capt, Blues / Cardiff), Cory Hill (Blues / Pontypridd), Edward Siggery (London Irish, Thomas Young Cardiff Blues), Luke Hamilton (Blues / Glamorgan Wanderers), Ben Thomas (Ospreys / Bridgend).

The Kent-based wing has signed a two-year deal to play in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup after impressing in the HSBC Sevens World Series last season.

Caprice, 21, had spells with Saracens and Blackheath before becoming part of the first intake of full-time England Sevens players last summer.

Caprice said: “I’m pretty excited about the move and really looking forward to it. It was a hard decision to make but I’d always wanted to play in France.

“They’re one of the top teams in Europe and you only have to look at the players there to see that the chance to train day-in, day-out with them is great. The coaching staff are brilliant and I was blown away by the place when I went over there."

Biarritz, who are grouped with Ospreys, Benetton Treviso and Caprice’s former club Saracens in next season’s Heineken Cup, have also signed Fiji sevens captain Seremaia Burotu this summer.

“It’s great that they’re looking at young players and sevens players in particular," he said. "Jack Isaac, their backs coach, has a sevens background and they see sevens player as good enough as players and athletes to fit in with the exciting rugby they want to play."

A product of the Medway and Maidstone clubs, Caprice made his England Sevens debut at Hong Kong in 2009 and appeared in 16 tournaments.

His personal highlights are the 2010 Dubai victory he helped secure with key tries against Fiji and Australia, appearing in the Commonwealth Game in Delhi and his first international outing.

“My England Sevens debut came out of the blue when I was on loan with Blackheath," he said. "I went out to Hong Kong at short notice and scored a hat-trick against China in my first game which was really surreal.

“Winning Dubai last season was fantastic and when you reflect, having to beat Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Samoa one after the other to win the title, it was a brilliant achievement."

England Sevens head coach Ben Ryan said: “Dan is a great example of a sevens player going on to be noticed by a top European team.

“We wish him every success with the next stage of his career and he’s developed really well during the time he’s spent with England Sevens. In a short space of time with us he’s gone from being an academy player to a world class sevens player.”

A victory over the South Sea Islanders will take the Welsh youngsters into the fifth place final against either Ireland or South Africa on Sunday and that is the sole aim of the Welsh management and squad as they prepare for their fourth game in 13 days.

Wales head coach Richard Webster said, “We will have to produce a structured, disciplined game against the Fijians if we are to come out on top. They will be strong and physical and there’s nothing they like better than a loose, open game so we will have to be intelligent in our tactics tomorrow evening.”

Wales have again rung the changes for this game, with a need to manage the squad’s injuries and game time. There is a new front row, with Rhodri Jones and WillGriff John returning to the starting line-up and Jamie Sollis getting his first start at hooker. Ed Siggery returns on the blindside, with Luke Hamilton moving to the open side flank in place of Thomas Young.

Behind the scrum, Lewis Jones starts at scrum half with Lewis Robling returning to inside centre and Dale Ford joining him in the midfield partnership. The back three and second row are unchanged, while Lloyd Peers (elbow), Kirby Myhill (ribs) and Owen Williams (shoulder) are all ruled out of this game.

Webster added, “Ross Jones did particularly well in his first start at full back against Italy and retains his place, while most of these changes reflect the importance of utilising the full, 26-man squad for a tough, five-game tournament such as this.

“Following the Italy game, we identified a number of areas to improve on if we are to continue to progress during this tournament and we must put those into place against Fiji.”

Wales team v Fiji (Wednesday 22 June, Stadio Plebiscito, Padua, 6pm local time):
Ross Jones (Ospreys / Bridgend); Liam Williams (Llanelli), Dale Ford (Scarlets / Llanelli), Lewis Robling (Dragons / Newport), Eli Walker (Ospreys / Swansea); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys / Swansea), Lewis Jones (Blues / Pontypridd);Rhodri Jones (Scarlets / Llanelli), Jamie Sollis (Dragons / Cross Keys), WillGriff John (Blues / Pontypridd), Macauley Cook (capt, Blues / Cardiff), Cory Hill (Blues / Pontypridd), Edward Siggery (London Irish), Luke Hamilton (Blues / Glamorgan Wanderers), Ben Thomas (Ospreys / Bridgend).
Replacements: Lewis Smout (Blues / Pontypridd), Will Taylor (Ospreys / Swansea), Owen Sheppeard (Blues / Pontypridd), Thomas Young (Blues / Cardiff), Jonathan Evans (Dragons / Newport),Steve Shingler (London Irish), Rheon James (Scarlets / Carmarthen Quins).

The Welsh youngsters beat tournament hosts Italy 56-6 in their final Pool match on Saturday, scoring eight tries on the way. The other semi-final is between South Africa and Ireland, with the final play-off games taking place next Sunday.

While the Welsh coaching team is relatively pleased with the improvement in performance and result following the record defeat to New Zealand on Tuesday, they are conscious of the need to cut out errors if they are to improve on their standing from the past two Junior World Championships when they finished sixth and seventh.

Wales coach Rob Appleyard said: “We needed to produce a performance to feel proud of against Italy following the loss to New Zealand. The Kiwis proved that it is an achievable aim to play rugby at that kind of intensity and that is the biggest lesson for us that we want to take into our remaining games.

“We did that in part against Italy, scoring eight tries and showing glimpses of some open, expansive rugby and we put a lot of energy and effort into the game.

“But we also made mistakes in attack and defence and let slip a number of scoring opportunities. However, you only make progress by playing at this level against other international sides and we are lucky to have the chance to play two more intense games in this competition.

“It’s a good platform to build on and we are confident we can continue to improve as a team throughout the remainder of this tournament.”

Appleyard added that it is now key for the players to recover and prepare to play Fiji on Wednesday.

“This competition is an excellent learning curve for the players. Despite a tough game last night, they now need to rest and recover and then get stuck into preparation for Wednesday. Fiji will be tough, but following the disappointed of the New Zealand game, the players are all determined to be successful in this tournament and if we do well, fifth place is up for grabs.”

Head coach Ben Ryan’s side had gone into the final two tournaments of this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series with an outside chance of capturing a first-ever global title.

They couldn’t collect a single series point in London and the six picked up in Edinburgh means they finish in third place overall, South Africa overtaking them in the finishing straight.

England went down 26-12 in the Cup quarter final against New Zealand with Frank Halai’s hat-trick of tries and their own errors giving them too much ground to make up. Then they missed tackles against Fiji, who pulled away to win the Plate semi final 34-19.

In the quarter final England conceded a try to David Raikuna inside 15 seconds when New Zealand claimed the kick-off; lost the ball on their own throw at a lineout with Halai bumping past Norton to score; then lost the next restart too, Halai stepping back inside for a simple second to go 19-0 down inside four minutes.

When they did get hold of the ball, England were patient and effective and challenged New Zealand around the ruck with Barrell bursting inside and running in from half way.

New Zealand scored first in the second half when Halai completed his hat-trick, England responding with newcomer Richard de Carpentier involved down the right before Norton struck for his 32^nd try of the campaign.

England Students No.8 De Carpentier was rewarded with his first start in the Plate semi final against Fiji as Ryan made changes.

Again, missed tackles allowed the Islanders to go 17-0 up with two tries from Joeli Lutumailagi and a Dale Tonawai effort.

England hit back through De Carpentier, London Irish wing Marcus Watson and Nick Royle and the momentum was with them at 22-19 down only for more defensive errors to let in Mitieli Nacagilvevu and David Batiratu.

The Test will be played on Friday 22 July, with kick-off at 7.35pm (NZT), and will be a major fundraiser for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, with all net profits from the match going to Christchurch.

As well, Canterbury residents, including the Canterbury rugby community, will also get the chance to buy tickets before they go on nationwide public sale.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said the Test would be a key match for the All Blacks as the team prepares for the Investec Tri Nations and then the Rugby World Cup.

“It’s important that we have a game together as a team so that we can reignite and build on our combinations again and give the players the best possible preparation and kick–off to the season, so it’s fantastic that Fiji has been confirmed,” he said.

“We are also delighted that we can raise money for the people of Christchurch, who are still very much in the team’s thoughts,” Henry added.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said final confirmation of Fiji as the All Blacks’ opponent had been delayed as the NZRU worked through issues relating to the New Zealand Government’s travel restrictions on some Fijian citizens.

“The NZRU has not asked the New Zealand Government for any exemptions to the travel ban in place. The Fiji Rugby Union will field a competitive team within the parameters of the travel ban and see this Test as a major build-up for their Rugby World Cup campaign, while the Fijian Government has confirmed they have no objections to the team travelling to New Zealand for the match.”

Tew said as well as the fundraising effort, a number of other initiatives were planned to show support for the people of Canterbury.

“Otago and Southland fans get priority access to Dunedin Test tickets but we will also be offering the Canterbury rugby community and then all Canterbury residents the chance to buy tickets before they go on nationwide sale.

“We will also be looking to host representatives from the Canterbury earthquake rescue, recovery and relief teams to give them a break, a night out at the rugby and to thank them for all their efforts.

“We were keen to have the extra Test in the South Island to give Christchurch residents and other South Islanders the chance to see the All Blacks in action this year so hopefully they get to do that and we can raise some money for Christchurch as well,” Mr Tew added.

Tickets to the Test will be available to the general public from TicketDirect from 9am on Monday 20 June on their website ticketdirect.co.nz or by calling 0800 4 TICKET.  Tickets will cost from $25 for a child and adult tickets will cost between $50 and $115.

Mr Tew said the NZRU had hoped to stage the match at the new Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin but the new ground would not be quite ready to host matches by then.

“But we are more than happy to return to Carisbrook for what will definitely be the last Test at the famous ground.  We will have to get (former All Black) Jeff Wilson back to replace the clump of turf he removed after last year’s ‘last” Test!” he said.

Otago Rugby Football Union General Manager Richard Reid said: “The ORFU is delighted to assist the NZRU in hosting this match and contributing to the fundraising for Christchurch. Although we farewelled Carisbrook in some style last year, I am sure that people will forgive us for doing it again, given the circumstances, and will contribute to the occasion.”

The bulk of the funds raised at the Test will go to the Government’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, with a proportion also going to the All Blacks Earthquake Appeal for Christchurch Kids, which supports the work of the two All Blacks’ official charities, KidsCan and Plunket, helping the youngest residents of Christchurch. A number of other fundraising initiatives are also being planned around the Test, with more details to be confirmed closer to the time. 

The All Blacks have played Fiji eight times since 1974, with the last Test in 2005 at North Harbour Stadium.

Little did the Fiji international, nicknamed ‘Wise’, know when he lined up against Australia in Canbarra in June last year that his next game of rugby would come nearly seven months later and 10,000 miles away against Esher at Old Deer Park, Richmond.

A broken arm suffered in trying to “smash” Aussie pin up boy Matt Giteau left the former Quin kicking his heels and carrying the tackle bags before he stepped off the bench for new club London Welsh and in to a derby clash with Esher.

“Just to come back and play rugby again was awesome,” said 25-year-old Luveniyali, who has been capped nine times by Fiji. “I was really excited and happy, but also relieved because I’d been waiting six months.

“I was planning for a big smash at Matt Giteau, because everyone wants a piece of him!

“I dropped my shoulder swung my arm just to give him a hit, but my arm hit his hip and then I landed on it again and felt a snap.

“The physio told me it was just muscle but Australia scored a try after that and I had to take the kick off but I couldn’t even hold the ball.

“But that physio was just a trainee and when the main physio came over he took my arm and with one touch said ‘it’s broken’.”

That would spell a long period on the sidelines for Luveniyali – not a welcome scenario for any player but especially for one keen to make an impact at a new club.

“I thought it would heal quicker. After five months I thought it was ok, but I had a review and it revealed it hadn’t healed,” said Luveniyali.

“I was felt a bit down; I was excited at the start, but as time went on I was feeling a bit bored. But it’s ok now, I’m really happy to be back in rugby.”

Luveniyali may have been left frustrated by his prolonged absence, but his return to action mid-way through the season could be a timely boost for Welsh with the play-offs looming on the horizon.

“If I’d been playing from the start I’d be feeling a little bit tired right now, but I feel fresh so things should be really good, especially as we come towards the end of the season,” he said.

Luveniyali joined Welsh in the summer from near neighbours Harlequins after two seasons at the Twickenham Stoop where he made 39 appearances.

His highlight, though, came on debut at Twickenham when his late penalty gave Quins a 24-21 victory over Saracens. It was Dean Richards that brought Luveniyali to Quins but his departure due to ‘Bloodgate’ would cue a change in his fortunes at the club.

“My first season was really good but the second season I didn’t play much. I was getting frustrated not playing rugby,” said Luveniyali.

“I was playing really well at the end of last season and they were able to see the best of me, especially the new director of rugby [Conor O’Shea]. But they just didn’t want me.”

Luveniyali, though, could have a big year ahead of him as the Dragons strive for promotion and with the World Cup in September. Not that the World Cup will be anything new to Luveniyali, who was something of a surprise selection for Fiji’s squad in 2007.

The second youngest member of the squad, his second international cap would come against Australia in Montpellier after Nicky Little was injured in Fiji’s fantastic win over Wales.

Luveniyali, who marked his debut just three months earlier against Tonga by scoring a try, a conversion and a penalty, would end up on the losing side against Australia, 55-12, but it was an experience which has only inspired him further to make it into Fiji’s squad for September.

“I would love to be at the World Cup. Since I’ve started playing rugby again my goal is to just keep on playing rugby – the World Cup will come, all I have to do it keep playing and getting better,” he said.

“I wasn’t aiming for 2007, I was aiming for 2011, but when opportunities come you just have to grab them. I was really lucky in 2007 – it was an awesome experience.”

For now, though, Luveniyali is fully focused on getting London Welsh to the Premiership.

“I’m really happy. The playing environment at London Welsh is really good, the coaches are good and we’ve got a good bunch of players – I really like the open rugby,” he said.

For London Welsh head coach Phil Greening, Luveniyali’s availability at this stage of the season is like a new signing, and he’s full of praise for the way the Fijian has conducted himself over the past seven months.

“He’s a great professional; he’s done all the jobs that no one else wants to do and extra training sessions. He’s done everything that’s been asked of him and more,” he said.

“He’s been fantastic to have around and I think that’s why everyone has embraced him at the club. He’s a real talent and I hope we can start seeing the fruits of his hard work.”