The All Blacks Sevens fourth place finish in Japan was their ‘worst’ placing of any leg so far in the 2013/2014 Sevens World Series, but reaching the Cup semi-finals allowed Sir Gordon Tietjens troops to continue their principle of consistency.

They did however concede their lead in the overall standings, the fact that South Africa reached the final in the wrap up gave them a slight edge on the log (116 to 114).

Beware the Fijians

It wasn’t as if Fiji hadn’t announced their presence on this year’s series already, they claimed the Dubai title and in the process recorded a 44-0 triumph over New Zealand enroute to the trophy.

It may have possibly been the first time that the All Blacks Sevens played a match without ever looking like a chance.

Fiji were impressive with their victory thanks to obvious tactics to close down their great Pacific rivals at the breakdown - ruining New Zealand’s attempts to maintain a steady match routine.

However as we head to Hong Kong, one must remember that Fiji are the darlings of the nationally named stadium at So Kon Po, part of the Wan Chai metro area.

They have won 14 of the Cup titles available, and the last two, and will head back to their stomping ground bullish that they will claim yet another crown at one of Sevens greatest showpieces.

The rise and rise of many nations

While fans of Samoa will be quick to point out that their team against Japan was missing some key players, few would have predicted that the tournament hosts would have executed such a brilliant game that gave the land of the rising sun their first ever series win over a core nation.

Japan’s 42-12 victory over Samoa was historic, while the North American units are growing another leg every series leg.

The United States drew 19-19 with eventual champions Fiji, while they accounted for Canada 28-15; and then they pushed Australia all the way losing 12-17.

Australia had earlier pushed the All Blacks Sevens all the way in a 21-12 classic, while earlier Canada had been their usually industrious selves by coming within a whisker of beating New Zealand with a 22-17 triumph which was the final match to decide Pool A in Tokyo.

This is emerging as the closest series ever.

Don’t write off the champions

Despite the hard stare that Sir Gordon emanated after describing the loss to England, the All Blacks Sevens second straight reverse to end their Tokyo trip exposed plenty of work-ons, and the veteran mentor would have been thrilled as he knows there will be an extra edge to this coming week.

He now has a few extra reasons to push his troops even harder.

There will be the usual management over the resting of tired bodies, but the trip from Tokyo to Hong Kong is short compared to other leg-to-leg journeys.

New Zealand only trails South Africa by two points in the overall standings, but the All Blacks Sevens have only won the solitary title at Hong Kong Stadium since 2002, although they have claimed nine championships at the stadium.