The inaugural Sydney Sevens started with a bang as the big guns were on fire on Day One. Top Guns Fiji, New Zealand and World Sevens Series points leaders South Africa all made it through to the quarter finals unscathed. The atmosphere was electrifying and the capacity crowd were treated to some fantastic sevens rugby action with the second day to be even better.
Sydney Sevens Day One: Big Guns On Fire
Pool A
New Zealand got off to a blistering start against the Australians in their final game of day One with Reiko Ioane scoring in the corner but Ed Jenkins replied with his 95th series try to level the scores 5-5. The Aussies followed that up with a crash over try from two meters out by Lewis Holland converted by James Stannard. Stannard scored one of his own in the corner unconverted to give the Aussies the lead at halftime 17-5.
At the restart Reiko Ioane again found space but his final long pass to big brother Akira Ioane was ruled forward but Augustine Pulu returning from the blood bin crashed over after good work from Akira to bring the scores to 17-10. Just like last weekend the Kiwis scored at full-time through Ardie Savea to level the game 17-17 at full-time.
It was a great way to end day one of competition but both teams will go away knowing that they have a lot to go up against tomorrow. The Kiwis win the pool though with high points difference.
Sonny Bill Williams was finally getting his basics right and is starting to gel in well with the Kiwi boys which is only good news for Gordon Tietjens going forward.
Portugal and Canada will play in the bottom half of the competition but they both put in some good performances today especially Canada who were level with the Kiwis 12-12 at halftime during their match only to lose the plot in the second half.
The Portuguese defeating Canada would be the “highlight” of the day as they outclassed a tired looking Canadian outfit who gave their all in their early matches. The Portuguese will build from this as they look to keep their core status at the end of the season. Portugal came from behind to defeat the Canadians 26-19.
Aderito Estevez will never forget today as he picked up his 100th World Sevens Series try when he scored against New Zealand. A milestone not only for Sao Tome and Principe-born player but the Portugal team as a whole.
Results: New Zealand 27-12 Canada, Australia 24-7 Portugal, New Zealand 40-5 Portugal, Australia 26-12 Canada, Canada 26-19 Portugal, Australia 17-17 New Zealand.
Pool B
World Sevens Series leaders South Africa had to dig deep to shut down Kenya in their final pool match to book their quarter final spot. Two quick tries late in the second half got Kenya closer but their decision making at crucial facets of play was their downfall as their errors cost them dearly as Rosko Specman and Seabelo Senatla picking up from where left off last week punished them dearly with quick tries to deny the Kenyans another victory over their African counterparts this season.
South Africa and Kenya make it through to the top draw of the tournament while the Scots and Russians go to the bottom half. South Africa though will be without one of their stalwarts Kwagga Smith as he has picked up a shoulder injury. It will be interesting how the Blitzbokke will progress without him on Day Two.
Results: South Africa 33-7 Scotland, Kenya 24-10 Russia, South Africa 40-0 Russia, Kenya 17-14 Scotland, Scotland 40-5 Russia, South Africa 26-19 Kenya.
Pool C
Fiji got their first test of the day against the Los Pumas Sevens in their final pool game only hanging on to beat them 19-14. Like South Africa, the Argentina side took it to the Fijians in the contact area and tried to frustrate them but cool heads and good leadership from Oscar Kolinisau and Pio Tuwai got them through those nerve wracking moments when the South Americans were on the verge of a great upset on Day One.
Fiji thrashed the Samoans in their first game, demolished France in the second with Jerry Tuwai leading the way with some superb running and support play. The Fijians are looking good but how they approach the second day will be vital as they try to defend their Australian leg crown in Sydney.
France without Virimi Vakatawa and now Terry Bourahoua were a shadow of the side that played in Dubai and Cape Town and will be praying that their play-makers return soon. Samoa however, like last week will again try to put together a 14-minute game if they want to play in the top draw but the changes and progress in the team is evident with captain fantastic Falemiga Selesele and Tila Mealoi again putting up brave performances.
Fiji goes through as pool winner while the Los Pumas finish second.
Results: Fiji 31-0 Samoa, Argentina 17-7 France, Fiji 49-5 France, Argentina 14-12, Samoa 29-14 France, Fiji 19-14 Argentina.
Pool D
It was a tit for tat game between USA and England to decide the pool D winner and it was Perry Baker who was denied a try after stepping on the in-goal line before Zack Test scored late in the half for the Americans to draw closer as the English led at the half 12-7.
Tom Mitchell scored right after halftime to extend the English lead to 17-7. The Americans replied through big Danny Barett which was converted by English-born Madison Hughes to bring the Americans closer 17-14. With 30 seconds to go the English were awarded a penalty which they opted to kick to the sideline, they won the line-out and kicked the ball to the stands to deny the Americans victory.
Japan were denied a victory by the ever resilient Welsh side who battled hard to the final whistle to win 21-26 but the Japanese will take courage from their performance today. Katsayaki Sakai and Kameli Soejima again played their hearts out and were supported well by Lote Tuqiri and Lemeki Lomano.
Results: England 26-5 Japan, USA 42-0 Wales, England 21-5 Wales, USA 33-17 Japan, Japan 21-26 Wales, England 17-14 USA.
Cup Quarter-Finals
00:35 GMT – New Zealand vs USA
00:57 GMT – Fiji vs Kenya
01:19 GMT – England vs Australia
01:41 GMT – South Africa vs Argentina
As all teams gear up for Day Two, the fans too will be looking for more action and maybe a surprise or two. The South Africans will try to keep their lead, the Fijians will try to regain their lead and the All Blacks Sevens will try to go for two from two. Who will it be? Don’t miss Day Two of the Sydney Sevens.
Follow all the World Sevens Series action on Last Word On Sports with Scott Hornell and Jovilisi Waqa.
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