The Monaco Sevens Olympic repechage rugby tournament was ‘full of excitement’ as 16 teams gave their all from the get-go. The small but energetic crowd gathered at the Stade Louis II ground in Monaco were treated with some brilliant, fast running and hard games as the Monaco Sevens Day One results went against predictions.
Under the Mediterranean sun, the crowd enjoyed the highly-energized games along with the Crown Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco. Their majesties were in attendance along with dignitaries from World Rugby and the Olympic committee, who witnessed the final repechage event. The 16 nations were all chasing that one final sport to the pinnacle of sports, at the Rio Olympics in August.
The day had many upsets and those were made by two emerging European Nations who ‘showed-up’ two core status teams from the HSBC Sevens Series. They demonstrated that sevens is certainly evolving to a greater height and popularity, crossing new grounds as they all reached for the same goal–Gold in Rio de Janiero.
Monaco Sevens Day One: the LOWDOWN
Ireland picked up from where they left off at the Malmo Sevens Tournament held recently, to continue their winning run by beating Paris Sevens champions Samoa 27-21. A sensational result, and that trend continued as Germany pipped Canada 21-19, to tell the world that what they produced in Hong Kong was ‘just the beginning’ of a new era for European rugby sevens.
Tonga lost all their rhythm and seemed to be out of their depth as Russia showed a cool head. Among these upsets and performances, eight teams remain to fight for that one available spot [from the 12 teams who will compete at the 2016 Olympic tournament]
Jovilisi Waqa brings you his lowdown of Day One action.
Emerging nations show-up Sevens Series teams
Pool A (Samoa, Ireland, Tonga, Zimbabwe)
Ireland’s upset win over Samoa tore the repechage tournament wide-open as all teams now know that they too can upset any team. Captain Tony Daly led his young Irish squad with real passion, showing the other ‘minnows’ the way it could be done even though it was only in pool stages.
Ireland will have to compete with Spain now to progress through to the semi finals, while Samoa have the task of competing against the Asian qualification runner up Hong Kong. That team ‘breezed’ through their pool. Samoa must learn from today to play as a unit, and not rely on individuals who can easily get isolated by their opponents. They will struggle if they continue like that, as every men must now ‘man-up’ on Day Two.
Zimbabwe and Tonga really did not really turn up and they will each feel the failure of expectation. Both now feature in the unrewarding Bowl competition [even though it will provide a key World Ranking]
Results: Samoa 26-0 Tonga | Zimbabwe 12-24 Ireland | Samoa 21-27 Ireland | Zimbabwe 21-14 Tonga | Tonga 12-31 Ireland | Samoa 21-7 Zimbabwe
Germany prove to be a handful for Canada
Pool B (Canada, Germany, Uruguay, Sri Lanka)
Canada had it all to gain but gave it away and the Sevens Series core status team got a taste of what perseverance is all about. The Germans combined ‘Fijian flair’ they learned against the Series Champions and the straight running European-style of rugby, using their big players to win all their games in their pool. A superb effort, with the Canadian scalp as a real memento.
The North Americans will have a hard task on their hands against fellow Sevens Series team Russia on Day Two, and must capitalize on every opportunity. At this stage, whatever advantage they can take will help them to reach the final four on Sunday. The Maple Leafs will need to feed John Moonlight, Adam Zaruba and Phil Mack much more quality ball to utilize their skills advantage. Do that, they can provide Harry Jones more space to move.
The 21-19 win over the Canadians has boosted the Germans chances and playing against Chile with more vigor can see them through to the semi finals. Uruguay and Sri Lanka will have to be satisfied at the bottom end of the competition tomorrow, with only pride to play for.
Results: Canada 33-0 Uruguay | Germany 42-5 Sri Lanka | Canada 57-0 Sri Lanka | Germany 22-14 Uruguay | Uruguay 40-14 Sri Lanka | Canada 19-21 Germany
Russia play it cool to reach Quarter Finals
Pool C (Russia, Chile, Morocco, Tunisia)
Russia, with the inclusion of big Vladimir Ostronshko, swept all their pool opponents aside to set up a quarter final showdown with Canada [who lost to Germany] With their big names back in the mix, that is one game worth the wait. Both teams will go all out with the winner progressing to the semis, and having a great chance on their ‘Road to Rio’.
Chile surprised everyone by beating Morocco and Tunisia, and they will line up against Germany with a slight hope of peaking for one big result. Germany will be confident, but like the Euro Football tournament taking all the headlines, complacency is your own worst enemy [see Samoa]
Results: Russia 26-19 Morocco | Chile 19-12 Tunisia | Russia 24-12 Tunisia | Chile 33-12 Morocco | Morocco 19-14 Tunisia | Russia 26-0 Chile
Hong Kong show their Pedigree
Pool D (Hong Kong, Spain, South Korea, Mexico)
Hong Kong overcame an early fright by the Mexicans in their first game to win Pool D. The Central American side scored twice before the Asian nation recovered. They still have the difficult task of containing a wounded Samoan side on Day Two, but the senior boys of the Hong Kong team like Alex McQueen will be ‘up for the challenge’. Not easy mind you–they only have to contain Falemiga Selesele, a sensational sevens player, as he is the one that drives the Samoan side. Contain Selesele, you contain Samoa.
Spain had an average day, but will try to be firing on all their cylinders as they tackle in-form Ireland. That side looked at ease on day one, but this is elimination day, a key day in these men’s career and anything can happen. Good luck to all sides for Sunday.
Results: Hong Kong 26-10 Mexico | Spain 26-7 South Korea | Hong Kong 19-7 South Korea | Spain 28-5 Mexico| Mexico 12-42 South Korea | Hong Kong 19-0 Spain
Monaco Sevens Day Two Draw:
With only eight teams remaining to contest for the ‘all important’ final Olympic spot, all eyes will be on Ireland and Germany. They surprised many, with Samoa, Canada and Russia hoping to spoil their European party. It’s definitely do or die in day two matches, so don’t miss any of the the action as teams will go all out. Can the Irish go all the way? Much is expected of them now, as Dublin will play host at next weeks Women’s repechage tournament–that should be great motivation.
Will the Samoans recover their predicted leading position? That is up to the players and their management must rebuild their confidence, if they have any chance. All will be revealed on Day Two finals.
Cup Quarter Finals:
Ireland vs Spain, Russia vs Canada, Hong Kong vs Samoa, Germany vs Chile.
Bowl Quarter Finals:
Zimbabwe vs Mexico, Morocco vs Sri Lanka, South Korea vs Tonga, Uruguay vs Tunisia.
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