'One of my goals': Debutant realises AB 7s 'dream' in Hong Kong

Rising star Codemeru ‘Cody’ Vai realised a childhood dream on Friday as he made his international debut for the All Blacks Sevens in Hong Kong.

Like many New Zealanders, Vai grew up dreaming about the coveted black jersey – but it’s an exclusive club, and the teenager is now part of it.

Ahead of the World Series’ return to Hong Kong, the All Blacks Sevens named three debutants for the event. Vai was selected alongside new-comers Rhodes Featherstone and Xavier Tito-Harris.

Running out in the black jersey for the first time on day one, Vai was visibly excited ahead of the All Blacks’ Pool D clash against Kenya.

Vai scored on his international debut in the ninth minute of that contest, and added another five-pointer to his Hong Kong tally in New Zealand’s thriller against rivals South Africa.

The New Zealander had announced himself to the rugby world with some scintillating performances – and he wasn’t done yet.

Vai continued to star for the All Blacks Sevens, as he helped them overcome World Series rivals Argentina in the Hong Kong quarter-finals.

After signing autograph after autograph with fans in the western stand, Vai spoke with RugbyPass as he made his way down the tunnel.

“To be honest the last two days have been hard but the brothers have been behind me the whole time,” Vai told RugbyPass.

“I’d just like to thank the boys for having my back out there as it’s my first tournament here as well..

“Not having my parents here with my jersey presentation, it was pretty sad by still called them right after.

“Still can’t describe the feeling I have right now, especially in the big stage right now with quarterfinals going into semi-finals.

“Ever since I was young, my dream was to always play in the black jersey in 15s or sevens, and now one of my goal is achieved they’re happy for me.”

The All Blacks Sevens booked their place in the men’s semi-finals with a hard-fought 24-10 win over Los Pumas on Sunday morning.

Then, in the next match, France survived a scare against surprise package Spain to set-up an unmissable blockbuster at the home of sevens.

“It’s going to be really tough. The last two times we played them they smashed us,” France star William Iraguha told RugbyPass ahead of the semi-final.

“I’m happy, the whole squads happy that we’re playing them, and hopefully we can get our revenge.

“We always have a point to prove, especially against New Zealand. They’re on top of the series at the moment so those are the games we want to play.”

That semi-final blockbuster between rivals New Zealand and France is set to get underway at about 8:29pm NZT.