Since its inception in 2000, the New Zealand Sevens event in Wellington has become the city's - and some might say the country's - biggest annual sporting event. Yes, it's a party for the 40,000 people at the ground but it's still all about the action on the field.
Here are 5 memorable moments from Wellington Sevens past - and even present.
It was New Zealand's first loss in the pool stages of its home Sevens event and quite a stunning result too. Wales' first win against a New Zealand side in over 50 years was aided by the fact that New Zealand had a man sent to the bin at a critical time. It turns out Wales were a side on the rise in the Sevens game - they would win the World Cup later that season. New Zealand recovered to make the Final where they lost in the dying stages to England.
Ah yes, what would the Sevens be without our favourite Colonel? The Colonel even has his own float in the parade on Thursday!
3.The Mankini
Probably the most memorable - and most inappropriate costume ever at the Wellington Sevens. For those of you who don't know, it was inspired by the Borat film. It has subsequently and rightly outlawed from the Sevens.
Hard to believe that New Zealand did not actually win their home tournament until 2003 when they beat England in the Final. They came close in the inagural tournament in 2000 but didn't make the Final again 3 years later. The team that played in 2003 actually had some decent players, players who would go on to make the All Blacks and of course the great Eric Rush. As it stands, New Zealand now has 5 wins at home - like they say, you wait for a bus for so long, then 5 of them show up...
1.The Power Failure
The 2007 final saw a clash between two rivals from the Pacific as well as a clash between the stadium and the power company. Power was lost momentarily towards the end of quite an exciting game where Samoa upset eventual series winners, Fiji. Most probably didn't quite see the thrilling action at the end as the lights failed.
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