Commonwealth Games: Emotional Cama cherishes absentee gold

Emotional scenes before kickoff translated into relief for Tomasi Cama and Toby Arnold after New Zealand's Commonwealth Games sevens rugby triumph overnight.

Playmaker Cama -- a standout in the quarterfinal and semifinal wins over Wales and England respectively -- was forced to pull out just 10 minutes before the 24-17 final defeat of Australia.

A quad muscle injury restricted him as the team went through their final warmups and a difficult decision had to be made.

"I wanted to play more than anything but I had to say the truth in the end," Cama told NZPA.

"Watching them play was the hardest thing I've done but the boys dug deep."

Cama wouldn't admit to it but coach Gordon Tietjens said the experienced sevens halfback had been a picture of despair when he ruled himself out.

"He was visibly very emotional, very upset," Tietjens said.

"The guys decided they would play for him as well, which was huge."

Tietjens turned to backup halfback Toby Arnold in the final, even though the 23-year-old from Mt Maunganui had barely played in New Delhi. It was a risk as halfback is a pivotal role in any team.

The coach was delighted with Arnold's combative efforts before "his legs died on him" late in the game.

Unsung Bay of Plenty fullback Arnold said he was prepared for a possible promotion after seeing Cama limping late in the England win and felt the pressure to fill the accomplished boots of the Fijian-born magician.

"It was unfortunate for Tomasi to go down. I hadn't played much at the tournament so it was pretty exciting," said Arnold, who signalled to Tietjens it was time to come off with 5min remaining.

"The legs and lungs just weren't up to it. It's pretty hard getting to a final after not having played all day and then getting the final."

Arnold took a moment to reflect how far had come in the last 12 months.

"It's pretty surreal, a dream come true," he said.

"I didn't even think I'd be here, last year I wasn't even in the sevens outfit. Now I've got a gold medal, it's pretty crazy."