DHL Oktoberfest 7s: Australia Humbles Fiji Barbarians In Munich

By: |
Rugby Oktoberfest 7's

The inaugural Oktoberfest Sevens witnessed its first ever sevens finale. It never disappointed either, as Australia humbles Fijian Barbarians in the final. Played at the iconic Olympic Stadium in Munich, eleven international sides have been hosted for the past two days, alongside the traditional beer festival.

It was a one-sided affair in the final however, as the Fijian Baabaas had no answer to the Aussies 7s, losing 40-7.

2017 DHL Oktoberfest 7s Proves a Success

The Bavarian city has fully welcomed its newest attraction, and with time the event will naturally grow even bigger. It was streamed and aired live on television in many countries, with teams from all over the world, the International feel is as perfect start for the upcoming season.

Plenty of new stars were unearthed in Munich, as teams build for the new season. Australia; with Maurice Longbottom, to South Africa’s Tythan Adams. The tournament has potential to grow to incredible heights, with inclusion of New Zealand, North American and Asian sides.

Australia Humbles Fiji Barbarians in Munich

Fiji had no answer from the start as they struggled to keep up with the Aussies. Missed tackles, loss possession and indecision cost them early on. Australia pounced on Fiji’s simple mistakes and turned them into points.

Boyd Killingworth, Tim Anstee and Lachie Anderson, together with John Porch and Brandon Quinn were all instrumental in shutting down Fiji’s rhythm. The group had to step-up after losing skipper James Stannard due to injury in the quarter finals.

Full credit to Australia, who put in a good performance to finish. Fiji unfortunately, could not peak at the right time, so the DHL Oktoberfest title goes to the Aussies.

The South Sea Islanders were not given much chance from the get-go in the tournament by regular World Rugby commentators. Former Kiwi sevens captain,turned-commentator, Karl Te Nana gave the French, Argentinians and Australia his support, due to the higher experience in their squads. His view was well supported by Fox Sports commentator Sean Maloney, but as seen across the world of sevens, the ‘We Love Fiji’ signs were as popular as the beer steins!

However, like typical Fijian style proves all too often, even without the big names, they reached the final to the delight of followers. They defeated Argentina in the Cup quarters 17-12, who were laced with experienced players. In the semifinals, Fiji defeated the South African Academy side, who had been undefeated up to that point. However, their first loss of the tournament was on Day One, to the hands of the triumphant Aussie side, 14-28.

The Aussies road to the final saw them defeat France in the Quarters, before humbling the English squad in the semifinals.

How Teams Finished – Day Two, DHL Oktoberfest

South Africa finished third after beating England to take bronze. That Blitzbok attitude runs deep in their sevens teams, to prove the strength of that form of the game in the republic. While a young, raw English side settled for fourth spot.

Germany continued their ever-improving performance, winning the plate over the seasoned Argentinian men. They earlier defeated France in the plate semis too, to the delight of home town fans and viewers watching in the beer halls.

Ireland; like the hosts, continue to improve in all their outings on the international stage. They made it to the Cup quarters, losing to South Africa. However, they go home finishing seventh overall, after defeating the highly fancied French.

Spain settled for ninth spot, after beating Uganda. The Ugandans will learn from this outing, as they fight for qualification in Kampala. In that World Rugby qualifier, the Ugandans will be hosting the African Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifiers.

New Stars Unearthed in Munich

Many new stars were unearthed here in Munich, and it gives much hope to the future of the game. Many of these youngsters have switch codes to ‘take a ride on the sevens fever roller coaster’.

Aussies’s Maurice Longbottom has a background in rugby league, with the Sydney City Rabbitohs in the NRL. A name to watch, as a wider squad member of the World series.

Maurice Longbottom of Australia eludes Amenoni Nasilasila of Fiji during the final between Fiji and Australia on Day 2 of the Rugby Oktoberfest 7s tournament at Olympiastadion on September 30, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)

New Fijians winger Banuve Tabakaucoro is a former sprint king of the Pacific region. His compatriot Batinisavu Uluiyata was a former middle distance pacific champion too. Each has plenty to offer, and will be assessed back in Fiji, to judge if they can add to the national teams 2017/18 HSBC Sevens Series group.

Tian Libenberg was class for Germany, together with Sam Rainger and Anjo Buckman. The Irish had Sean Daly who will be a star in the near future.

Apart from Longbottom, the Aussies have also unearthed Matt Hood and Ben O’Donnell.

LWOR Oktoberfest ‘Dream Team’

As it is a custom in a big sevens tourney, enjoy our very own ‘dream team’. After watching the sevens footage from Munich in the past two days, LWOR reporter Jovilisi Waqa has put together his seven standout players.

Sam Rainger (Germany), Sean Daly (Ireland), Lachie Anderson (Australia), Maurice Longbottom (Australia), Alexandre Lagarde (France), Sevuloni Mocenacagi (Fiji), Mfundo Ndolovo (South Africa).

This all supports the results, where Australia humbles Fijian Barbarians team to claim the 2017 title. Congratulations to all sides and players involved.

Now, for the beer halls. Enjoy!!

________________________________________________________________________

What To Expect Next for Rugby Sevens Fans?

So much to enjoy across the globe. From invitational tournaments, to regional and qualifying tourneys, it is pure Rugby heaven.

UON Central Coast Sevens, Australia – October 27-29

Silicon Valley Sevens, USA – November 3-4

Oceania Sevens, Suva, Fiji – November 10-11

Emirates Dubai Sevens, UAE – December 1-2

Regional World Cup Sevens Qualifiers

The African and Asian Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifiers will be playing their final rounds of World Rugby qualifiers this month. Men’s and women’s teams looking to reach the pinnacle event, in San Francisco 2018.

Stay tuned to LWOR your home of Sevens Rugby. Bringing you the ‘Best News from all the Best Tournaments’ in the World.

 

“Main photo credit”
Embed from Getty Images

Post Views: 20

Springboks Draw With Wallabies in Bloemfontein; The Rugby Championship
Denny Solomona Stars for Sale Sharks Over Gloucester Inaccuracy