Small in stature but never to be under-estimated. The injection of Pacific Island teams has once again helped the NZI Sevens produce the most jaw-droppingly competitive rugby of the season so far.
On day one no side enjoyed a 100% record at the Westpac Stadium - rare in the game of Sevens - and the action continued in similar vein on day two, with the smaller Pacific Island nations causing giant shocks.
Ranked 57th and 60th respectively in the IRB World Rankings for 15-a-side rugby, the Cook Islands and Niue once again showed how so-called rugby minnows are able to truly compete on the world stage in Sevens, which of course continues to lobby for re-inclusion into the Olympic Games.
While Kenya's feat in reaching the Cup semi finals with victory over Wales is less unpredictable given their strides in the game of Sevens, the Cook Islands' superb victory over Australia will be celebrated throughout the South Pacific. The 28-10 victory against Michael O'Connor's improving Aussie side was a true tour de force, captain Adam Vardey outstanding in leading the fightback after they fell behind to Shaun Foley's early try.
Nathan Robinson and Koiatu Koiatu each scored tries to stretch the lead and Ashley Drake's fine dart at the death sealed their place in the Bowl final against resurgent Tonga, another Pacific island team who peaked on day two to beat France.
"It means such a lot to us, we had faith in our coaching philosophy and we really played for each other," said the Cooks' vice-captain Nathan Robinson.
"We're all amateurs, we've taken time off work to be in camp in Auckland and this is the reward. It's the first time we've had three games on the last day here and hopefully there's more to come."
Niue make huge statement
In the context of international Sevens, however, Niue's battling victory over heavyweights Samoa was an even better result.
The smallest self-governing nation in the world with a population of just 1,500, Niue draws on players resident in New Zealand but still have barely enough resources to train.
Competitive against New Zealand, Australia and Wales on day one, they shocked the Samoans with a performance full of guts and showed incredible fitness levels for an amateur outfit to win 21-10 and reach the Shield final against another of the game's top table, Scotland.
"It's been amazing, a great opportunity for us and we'd like to thank Wellington," said Mat Faleuka of the Niue team.
"It's the last year in the team for a few of us but we're trying to bring the younger guys through.
"We were elated to beat Samoa, we didn't think we'd ever do that in our lifetime, it's like a David and Goliath, but we'll always look up to those Samoan guys. We're always learning from them, we brought our A game and they brought their C game, so thanks to them anyway!
"Thanks also to all the people back at home in Niue. We're proud Niueans here in Auckland, some of the guys haven't been back to the islands recently so hats off to you guys and thanks for the support."
The smaller island nations' success on day two stood in direct contrast to their more seasoned 'neighbours' Samoa and Fiji, who will both represent the region at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in March, but had torrid finals days.
The Samoans were rudderless against Niue, clearly lacking the guile and leadership of Uale Mai who may return for San Diego, while Fiji lost first to England in the Cup quarter finals and then to Wales in the Bowl semi. A tough baptism for new coach Iliesa Tanivula.
