FIJIAN FANS IN WAIKATO STADIUM [SOURCE: JAYNOELADY LAIGAIVIU FACEBOOK]

They came, they drank, and they behaved themselves.

This is how the New Zealand media has been describing the Fiji 7s fans who came out in number to support the national team as they defended the Hamilton title thumping USA 38-nil.

In front of a sea of Fiji fans, Jerry Tuwai runs it in. pic.twitter.com/pYijxLAlTG

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2019

Article continues after advertisement

In its opinion section, Radio New Zealand says that local Fiji fans and those who had traveled from the islands turned out in force at Waikato Stadium.

It says that the Fijian fans played a major role in Fiji’s victory as they defeated Canada and South Africa to reach the finals.

The ball is now in World Rugby’s court over whether they will make Hamilton a fully integrated tournament.

Logistically, it will take some work – expanding it to three days and accommodating another dozen teams – but this is the way forward for an event that’s been given new life in a new home.