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Hong Kong Sevens: Favorites Cruising Through On Day Two

From Last Word on Rugby, Jovilisi Waqa

It was another thrilling day at the So Kon Po Stadium with some entertaining rugby with the favorites cruising through. Fiji and New Zealand could fight out another final but don’t count out the Blitzboks and United States.

The English can turn up tomorrow so can their conqueror today, the Aussies. On the other hand, the two Americans sides Argentina and Canada could surprise all.

Papua New Guinea continues its dream in the Mens World Series Qualifier. Spain look hot favorites to regain core status with Germany to offer the biggest hurdle with Chile.

Hong Kong Sevens: Favorites Cruising Through on Day Two

Day Two: THE LOWDOWN

Pool A (England, Australia, Samoa, South Korea)

The Australians saved the best for last as they overcame England to top Pool A. Henry Hutchison led the onslaught with James Stannard and John Porch as they worked overtime to turn one over the champs from Vancouver. The Aussies were semifinalists here last season; can they go all the way?

Henry Hutchison took advantage of Tom Mitchell in the bin for infringement to open the scoring. Tom Bowen replied soon after to level the scores at the stroke of halftime at 5-all. Hutchison grabbed his second with James Stannard converting from the sideline for a 12-7 lead to the Aussies. In an ironic twist Bowen also grabbed his second minutes later, unconverted for the English to trail 10-12.

Andre Coquilard of South Korea stole the hearts of the fans at the So Kon Po Stadium when he grabbed two tries against Samoa even though their team went down fighting 22-12. However, both teams will go down to the bottom tier of the competition tomorrow. Samoa continues to improve with the South Koreans acknowledging the experience.

  • Pool A results: England 12 Samoa 10 |Australia 52 South Korea 0 |Samoa 22 South Korea 12 |England 10 Australia 12 |

Pool B (South Africa, Canada, Kenya, France)

South Africa were rattled early on by Canada but pulled through in the end to top Pool B. However, they will face an uphill battle in the Cup quarters against a resurgent New Zealand side. Philip Snyman has led his brigade well with Cecil Africa. With four key players missing the side continue to play like no one left, they certainly have the depth. Ruhan Nel and Dylan Sage have really stood up with Siviwe Soyizwapi and Bronco Du Preez.

Canada might have fallen short today but can redeem themselves when they meet Fiji. They need to deny the Islanders possession while turning opportunities into points to finish well here. Justin Douglas is having another good outing with Mike Fualeifau, their presence will be relied on tomorrow. Kenya and France will fight it out in the bottom tier. France was unlucky here losing Virimi Vakatawa late Friday before the tournament started. To add salt to the wound, nippy playmaker was ruled out today after sustaining another injury.

 

  • Pool B results: South Africa 35 Kenya 10 |Canada 28 France 14 |Kenya 29 France 12|South Africa 26 Canada7 |

Pool C (Fiji, New Zealand, Wales, Japan)

Fiji had to dig deep on the final day to earn a quarter final spot. They drew with Wales then had to beat New Zealand to top the pool. Joe Ravouvou was outstanding for the Kiwis with Vatemo Ravouvou instrumental for Fiji. However, Waisea Nacuqu is stealing all the limelight in Hong Kong.

Wales was close but not enough to earn themselves a spot in the quarters. Japan continues to make inroads building new combinations with debutant Jone Naikabula looking very impressive with Siosifo Lisala.

  • Pool C results: New Zealand 40 Japan 14 |Fiji 17 Wales 17 |Wales 34 Japan 21|Fiji 17 New Zealand 14|

Pool D (United States, Argentina, Scotland, Russia)

Mike Teo’o repaid the faith coach Mike Friday had in him by starting him against Argentina scoring two tries while creating two. He was instrumental with Perry Baker to put away the Los Pumas 33-5. They will face the English in the Cup quarter final with Argentina against Australia.

Vladamir Ostronshko continued his fine form today for Russia giving all to seal the deal against Scotland 14-5. They absorbed all the early pressure from Scotland to win the battle for third place. Scotland have only themselves to blame as they didn’t execute when needed.

  • Pool D results: United States 19 Scotland 14 |Argentina 17 Russia 12 |Scotland 14 Russia 5 |United States 33 Argentina 5|

Day Three Fixtures:

Cup Quarterfinals:

Australia vs Argentina, Fiji vs Canada, United States vs England, South Africa vs New Zealand

Challenge Trophy Quarterfinals:

Samoa vs Scotland, Wales vs France, Russia vs South Korea, Kenya vs Japan

Papua New Guinea Continue Dream Run In Men’s Qualifier

Papua New Guinea continue their dream run in the Mens Qualifier outplaying Uganda 14-10 to book a semifinal spot. Booking a spot in the World Series will be a Dream come true for the most populace South Pacific nation. Rugby League is a religion in the nation and the Pukpuks (Crocodiles) are looking to change that.

Chile overcame fellow South American rival Uruguay 21-12 to claim a semifinal spot in the Men’s World Series Qualifier. Hong Kong only had themselves to blame as poor decision making cost them the game against Germany. The hosts narrowly lost 14-7 with the Germany crossing the line at the death from an aimless Hong Kong kick. Spain overcame Namibia to book the final semifinal spot 33-0.

Mens Qualifier Semifinals fixtures:

Chile vs Germany and Spain vs Papua New Guinea.

Cup Quarterfinals results:

Chile 21 Uruguay 12|Germany 14 Hong Kong 7 |Papua New Guinea 14 Uganda 10 |Spain Namibia|

Who should captain the British and Irish Lions on their tour to New Zealand? in LastWordOnSports’s Hangs on LockerDome

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