2017 CC7s: Aussie Teams Retain Titles, As Men Continue Dominance

The 2017 Central Coast Sevens (CC7s) ended in style yesterday, hosted by the Wyong Rugby League Club Grounds. Aussie teams retained their respective titles, as the Men’s side continues their dominance against Fiji at the 2017 CC7s.

Plenty of action saw thrilling matches witnessed during the event, which was live streamed all over the world. Bar TV Sports, in conjunction with the organizers, broadcast the event from the Central Coast league grounds. Through viewers online, the 2017 CC7s tourney was able to break their previous viewing records. It is a big testimony to how far the tournament has developed a strong reputation, and continues to grow.

A huge day of @CC7S 70k+ viewers @garethwasik breaking world records in the com box #TopShelf #Rugby #GrowTheGame Live from 10am tomorrow

— BarTV Sports (@BarTVsports) October 28, 2017

Plenty of new talent was unearthed with Fiji Barbarians (baabaas), Canada, Kiwis, Fijiana women’s sides and all conquering Aussie ‘shadow national’ teams that were testing out new talent and combinations.

The Olympians on show in particular, brought their wide skills-base with Pio Tuwai as exciting as ever, along with the experience of 2017 CC7s ambassador Jesse Parahi.

Aussie Teams Retain CC7s Title, As Men’s Side Continues Dominance

The James Stannard led Aussie Gold side continued its form from the Oktoberfest Sevens, to retain their Central Coast title. The mix of youth and seasoned campaigners had little trouble, stretching out at times. In addition to that, they defeated a much more strengthened Fiji Baabaas side, that had three Rio gold medallists this weekend.

The Aussie side ran away to a 14-0 early lead in the final, with Fiji Barbarians scoring just at the halftime hooter 14-5. The proud Fijians fought back, but it was too late, as the more assured Aussies held on 19-17 to win.

“They often say losing can be contagious but winning is also contagious. And it breeds confidence, and the boys have definitely got confidence,” was Aussie 7s head coach Andy Friend’s appraisal to rugby.com.au

Maurice Longbottom continues to shine with the Aussie Sevens team. He is an ideal replacement for the nippy Henry Hutchison; who has picked up a Super Rugby contract. Regular try scorer John Porch, together with Tim Anstee and Lachie Anderson, have really gelled together. That group will go a long way in the upcoming HSBC Sevens Series.

Fiji Barbarians have to settle for second at Central Coast Sevenshttps://t.co/IlrQIwLjDi pic.twitter.com/Z3cNdFYirg

— RA Pacific Beat (@RAPacificBeat) October 29, 2017

The Fiji Barbarians will regroup, and some of them will head off to the Silicon Valley Sevens in the United States, while the rest will head home for the Oceania Sevens next week.

2017 Kinesio Cup – Australia Too Strong

The Australian girls outclassed their rivals Fijiana in the Cup quarterfinals, and then dealt to a NZ Development team in the semifinal. They then regrouped to meet the Canadaian maple Leaf 7s in the final. With a star-studded side filled with Olympic gold medallists they were unstoppable, and retained their 2016 title.

They defeated Canada in the final 29-12. The Canadians had a good hit out though, with many new players coming through. They will be ready for the Aussies at the HSBC Dubai Sevens, in December.

Fijiana have plenty to work on, from match fitness to game awareness. It was their first international outing for the season, and they will only learn from this as they become accustomed to regularly playing the ‘big guns’ like Australia.

That’s how you get it done. @CC7S @KinesioTape #GetOutOfMyWay pic.twitter.com/62lxRQdE5g

— BarTV Sports (@BarTVsports) October 29, 2017

Cook Islands will be thankful for all they learned at the 2017 CC7s, heading into the Oceania Sevens tournament. They will have to work on their combinations and systems, to stood a chance to challenge Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

Just the one spot is up for grabs for the Women’s pool of the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens event, in San Francisco. A huge reward, so this weekend will be invaluable.

2017 CC7s Tournament Directors Reaction – Craig Morgan Interview

Plenty of Positives

“81,000 viewers [via livestream] on Saturday is very pleasing. The profile of the tournament continues to rise, based on the quality of the tournaments organisation. It attracted the international teams and audience, which further raised the profile,” said Craig Morgan.

Huge THANKS to @CC7S for yet another brilliant Tournament. With it, our game of 7’s doesn’t grow. Well done everyone involved

— Andy Friend (@andyfriend2011) October 29, 2017

“We are very pleased with the tournament overall. The quality of games were very high, culminating in two great finals, with four of the worlds best teams.”

Looking at the Downside

2017 CC7s: The LOWDOWN

Players of the Finals:

“Maurice Longbottom is a very exciting addition to the Australian team, Jerry Tuwai was always dangerous, and Emma Sykes was outstanding”. The verdict from Craig Morgan to LWOR after the finals.

Women’s: Emma Sykes (Australia)

Men’s: John Porch (Aussie Gold) – see below.

2017 Kinesio Cup Final

Australia 29 Canada Maple Leafs 12

2017 UON Cup Final

Australia Gold 19 Fiji Barbarians 17

Day Two Results:

Kinesio Cup Quarterfinals

Australia – Fijiana 34-0
NZ Development – Sunnybank 17-7
Canada – Pride 7s 33-5
Stars Rugby 7s – UQ 17-0

UON Cup Quarterfinals