Fiji wins Dubai Sevens, Eagles take third place, Blitzbokke take the plate, French flair back as they take the Bowl, Canadians win the Shield final and plenty on offer in Cape Town.
Fiji win Dubai Sevens
Defending HSBC World Sevens Series winners Fiji have started their series campaign this season on a high after winning the Emirates Dubai Sevens. Laced with the core team from last season they dug deep to beat England 28-17 in the final.
England scored first through Tom Bowen. Fiji replied through Save Rawaca. Jasa Veremalua followed that up with good work from Vatemo Ravouvou, then Isake ‘ICE’ Katonibau and Jerry Tuwai with quick steps wrapped it up half for 28-7 halftime lead.
The second half was thrilling as both teams threw everything at each other, Tom Bowen grabbed his second early in the second half, then a try to Phil Burgess took the scores to 28-17.
The English were very aggressive in the first five minutes and handled the Fijians really well in the ruck area, which forced the Fijians to kick and frustrate themselves and like other teams they gave Fiji a sniff which they took with both hands and scored four quick tries.
The Player of the Final was outstanding all tournament, the nippy Jerry Tuwai was in the thick of everything and he got his just reward. His quick steps off the mark, the darting runs and offloads, which was a joy to watch.
The Osea Kolinisau led Fiji side got to the final after defeating the Aussies in quarter finals, then dug deep against the mighty Kiwis in the semis to win. Pio Tuwai was outstanding in that game with brilliant footwork that rescued the Fijians.
When asked by host broadcasters on his thought about Pio Tuwai after the game, Fiji coach Ben Ryan just simply said, “Best player I’ve ever coached.”
Eagles take 3rd place
After losing to the English by way of a last grasp try by Phil Burgess in sudden death the Americans proved to the world that their win over New Zealand on the first day wasn’t luck but hard work as they walloped the Kiwis to take third spot.
The Kiwis took the early lead but the Americans replied through Folau Niua, Kevin Swiryn and Will Holder. With Augustine Pulu in the bin in the second half the Americans crossed again through Perry Baker and Will Holder grabbed his second even though the Kiwis scored in the end through Lewis Ormond for a 31-14 victory to the Eagles.
The New Zealand Brothers were playing without captain Scott Curry and veteran Tim Mikkelson who both got injured in the first day. The All Blacks will have to call in reinforcements for Cape Town next week.
Blitzbokke take Plate final
Playing without stars Werner Kok and Cecil Afrika, the Blitzbokke had plenty to play for. Also missing was Seabelo Senatla who was suspended for two games after a high tackle on Carlin Isles in the quarter finals.
The Aussies crossed first through Sam Myers and captain Ed Jenkins wrapped it up for them in the first half for a 14-0 lead over the South Africans.
The Boks came back with a try to Kwagga Smith early in the second half and with Pama Fou in the bin the Boks failed to capitalize. Smith grabbed his second at the death after being set up by Chelsin Kolbe and converted by Justin Geduld to level the scores at 14- all and take the game to extra-time.
Straight from the restart the Boks won the kickoff through Justin Geduld and with quick hands, Bulls and Springbok winger Francois Houggard crossed over in the corner for a 19-14 victory.
The Boks will be disappointed with their performance this weekend with little mistakes costing them games. They will regroup for their sold-out home tournament in Cape Town. They will also hope much needed rest will bring Werner Kok and Cecil Afrika back early next week.
French flair back as they win the Bowl final
After three minutes of defending 35 yar old Julien Candelon crossed over for the first try and followed that with a try by 32 year old Damian Cler. Playmaker Terry Bourahoua added the third.
They went to the break with the French leading the Scots 19-0. Candelon started the second half with his 88th try of the world series for a 24-0 lead before Hugh Blake crossed over for the Scots to make it 24-7. The Scots finished with a flourish with a try to 18 year old Robbie Nairn to bring the final scores to 24-14.
The Frederic Pomarell coached side only loss over the weekend was to New Zealand on Day One and they displayed some rugby we haven’t seen from them in a long time over the two days with Julien Candelon, Damian Cler, Terry Bourahoua and Virimi Vakatawa leading the onslaught.
They will be a team to watch next weekend in Cape Town and so will the Scotland side who fared well without their injured regulars.
Canada win Shield final
The Canadians started well with two quick tries Adam Cejanovic but the Japanese replied just before halftime to Kameli Soejima. The Maple Leafs continued their momentum in the second half with a try to Harry Jones only for Jamie Henry to narrow the deficit with a Rugby league type try in the corner but their last minute try wasn’t converted, giving the Shield victory to the Canadians 19-17.
Plenty on offer in Cape Town
After their win in Dubai the Fijians will head to Cape Town to gain more points but rhey will face stiff competition from the ever improving Americans, the Blitzbokke will try to defend their home turf and the Kiwis will try to win again on their favorite home-ground.
It was evident from the last two days how well the teams have prepared heading to Rio and for the spectators there will be plenty on offer in Cape Town. More entertaining rugby, scintillating runs and upsets, the kind of atmosphere you don’t want to miss.
All 15 core teams head to Cape Town and will be joined by Zimbabwe who replace Japan as the invitational side.
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