Aussies Continue Winning Streak at 2017 Silicon Valley Sevens, San Jose

2016 Sydney Sevens

The 2017 Silicon Valley Sevens came to an end this afternoon, but the result is the same. One team is dominating, claiming a third International tournament victory as the Aussies continue winning streak.

That winning streak led the Aussies to fight back from behind, to beat the host United States 15-12 in the final. The Avaya Stadium might be synonymous with Major League Football but for the last two days, rugby sevens has taken over San Jose, California.

This is the debut event, and the tournament will only grow from here as it showcased some of the finest sevens teams to set foot in North America. The ‘super powers’ all descended to the Silicon Valley Sevens (7s) and the crowds enjoyed the action.

The hosts did not disappoint, succeeding in reaching the final. Chile were the real stars here in San Jose. Giant killers, the Condores taking down the New Zealand development side 7-0 to start the weekend with a Bang!

Unfortunately, not every team excelled–Canada, with all their big names, failed to shine. Fiji needs to look at its selection process. This and more was the talk of the weekend.

Aussies Continue Winning Streak at 2017 Silicon Valley Sevens

Maurice Longbottom was the hero for the Australians, as he came off the bench to score the winner. This is the third consecutive International tournament victory for the Aussies.

“They say losing is contagious so is winning,” Andy Friend said on rugby.com.au last weekend, and this rang true again in the final.

The Aussies trailed at halftime 12-5. United States were in control. However, after the breather Ed Jenkins (see main photo) scored his second try, before Longbottom wrapped it up with the match winner.

Tim Anstee, Lachie Anderson together with rookie Longbottom and new find Ben O’Donnell continue to impress. They have been consistent gelling in well with seniors like Holland and Sam Meyers.

Aussie Men Look Ready to Fire in 2017/18

Head Coach Andy Friend has given them a winning culture and how they go forward with this momentum will define the team. They have always threatened the norm in previous season but this could be theirs.

With the long season ahead, the Aussies are building up well. The HSBC Sevens Series, Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens still remains the important goal. However, this weekend they could go four-from-four at the Oceania Sevens in Suva, Fiji.

In other results…

  • The young English brigade humbled the Chileans 31-12, to take the bronze medal.
  • Samoa took the Plate, after defeating Fiji Barbarians 26-14.
  • The Kiwis finished seventh defeating Japan 26-5.

Positives…

Chile was outstanding throughout the tourney. Their victory over the Kiwis was the highlight of their weekend. Felipe Brangier and Marcello Torrealbo continue to impress in every outing.

China will go away winners as they will absorb all they have learned from the past two days. The English rookies will shine in the future, put them together with the best, they should thrive.

New Zealand and Fiji might have not shone here in San Jose but be rest assured – they have the future all wrapped up, with new talents coming through. Clark Laidlaw will have seen enough, to know which of his development players is worth utilizing over the next year.

Disappointments…

The Canadians failed to show up in spirit. They looked like newbies in the field. Plenty to do for Damian McGrath, heading in to the new season.

Tonga needs to step up if they want a spot to San Francisco. They don’t have successful combinations, and look lethargic throughout. This wont help them at the Oceania Sevens next weekend.

The Outlook….

How do you make rugby better? Throw in North America's largest outdoor bar and a free concert for our fans – be there! sevensrugby.com

Posted by USA Sevens Rugby on Sunday, September 24, 2017

Silicon Valley Sevens will definitely grow in the years to come. Rugby Sevens will take the United States by storm in years to come, if not in the next six months leading up to the World Cup.

It was a fantastic tournament, streamed worldwide and the interest will grow. November will be remembered because of the Silicon Valley Sevens. The mix of Hollywood and the tech world, the popularity of rugby sevens needs more International tournaments–the Las Vegas Sevens is another great event.

Are you ready for the challenge? Embrace it, enjoy it, and play it!

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Stay Tuned to LWOR as we bring you the coverage of the Oceania Sevens from November 4-5th in Suva, Fiji.

“Main photo credit”
Embed from Getty Images