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RUGBY SEVENS
14/03/2006 13:07 - (SA)
Melbourne - World rugby union Sevens champions Fiji, beaten finalists at the Commonwealth Games in both 1998 and 2002, are firm favourites to rip the crown away in Melbourne from two-time winners New Zealand.
The islanders have hit a rich vein of form in the International Rugby Board's Sevens circuit, winning two of this season's four events, and twice finishing runners-up, to top the current rankings.
The March 16-17 Sevens competition at Melbourne's Telstra Dome includes three teams snapping at Fiji's heels in the standings - England, South Africa and reigning Commonwealth champions New Zealand.
Top nations also competing in the 16-strong tournament are Samoa, hosts Australia, Canada, Scotland and Wales, all of whom are capable of causing an upset.
Paul Treu's Springboks will hope to improve on their bronze medal of Manchester 2002.
- SAPA
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