Hong Kong Sevens off to a flying start

(L-R) Alastair McDonald, Suzanne Stevens and Robert Lee from Newmarket, Auckland, get into the Sevens spirit in Hong Kong. Photo / David Rhoades

A pack of cougars doing a Mexican wave, a flock of Mexicans drinking Guinness and a gaggle of Irish leprechauns chowing down dumplings all seem perfectly normal in the South Stand at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Each year the Sevens series has added new destinations, but for the spectators and the players, the Hong Kong Sevens is still the holy grail, drawing die-hard fans from around the world.

For Suzanne Stevens, Alastair McDonald and Robert Lee of Newmarket, Auckland, it's a dream come true.

"We've come up especially to watch New Zealand win the finals," says Lee.

The hardest part of the trip? Deciding what to wear. They're decked out in animal-themed onesies, which are both eye-catching and practical.

"Mine's going to double as pyjamas later," explains McDonald.

Rick Wilson from Wellington is also particularly pleased with his pink fairy-themed outfit, but he's here for the game. So far he's not disappointed - New Zealand are only 20 seconds into their first match and they've already scored and converted a try.

Meanwhile, the South Stand is reaching capacity. Outside a menagerie of characters join the queue and desperate fans in all colours call for tickets for the long sold-out event.

Back on the field, the Kiwis have trounced Chinese Taipei 59-5. Coach and veteran Sevens figure, Gordon Tietjens is happy with the performance, but he's not counting his chickens yet.

"The event has changed so much over the years," he says.

"For the fans it's great, there's more spontaneity. It used to be the Kiwi and Fiji show, but now there are at least six teams that have a good chance of winning."

For New Zealand squad member, Toby Arnold, it's a dream come true. He's just scored a try in front of the near 40,000-strong crowd.

"I still can't believe I'm here to be honest," he says, gazing at the forming line of kids waiting for an autograph.

"I'm just trying to concentrate and play every game like it's the final."

So what makes this event so legendary?

"It really is the crowd," says Andrew Keith from the United Kingdom, who has attended annually for the last seven years.

"You could come on your own and within half an hour you'd be best friends with half the stadium."

Several rows over, the leprechauns and the cougars are mingling and they've been joined by a local university rugby team kitted out as a pack of crayons.

For this crowd, it's not really about winning or losing, but how you watch the game.

* The Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2010 run from 26-28 March.