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UR7s’ Robin Heymann brings you Live Text Commentary across the weekend at the penultimate leg of the IRB Sevens World Series from London’s Twickenham. With just two tournaments remaining front-runners Samoa and New Zealand are in a race for the overall title in one of the tightest finishes for years. Keep updated all weekend as UR7s lets you know all the goings-on both on and off the pitch.

Email views and comments to: livetext@ur7s.com
 

Text Commentary
2010 IRB London Sevens - Day 1

Fri 21 May 2010

UR7s’ Robin Heymann brings you Live Text Commentary across the weekend at the penultimate leg of the IRB Sevens World Series from London’s Twickenham. With just two tournaments remaining front-runners Samoa and New Zealand are in a race for the overall title in one of the tightest finishes for years. Keep updated all weekend as UR7s lets you know all the goings-on both on and off the pitch.

Email views and comments to: livetext@ur7s.com
Follow on Twitter: @UR7sLiveText

20:27

See you tomorrow for finals day guys. Going to be another electric day in the sun here at Twickers. Attendance today was 38,212. Record first day crowd for of the London Sevens.

20:25

Superhero Sevens Squad: Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. He is the main protagonist and leader. The original Optimus Prime transforms into a cab over truck. The truck's cab transforms into the robot mode of Prime himself, with vast strength and armed with a laser rifle. Not sure he is the most mobile for sevens but golly he would intimidate the *@//** out of the opposition on the sidelines!

Squad so far: Batman, Captain America, Spiderman, Iron Man, Optimus Prime

This strand is slightly ridiculous but it has kept me amused today. Join the UR7s Live Text tomorrow for the completion of the squad.

20:25

Danny, London:
Bam England got given a thrashing there. Back them to beat South Africa though. NZ/Samoa tomorrow could be an epic one.

You are right there Danny, the two leaders go head-to-head in what will be an epic quarter-final. Bet NZ wish Samoa hadn't been so poor with the Pumas earlier. Either Wales or Argentina to make the Cup semi-finals!

20:18

Cup quarter finals:

Argentina v Wales
Australia v Fiji
South Africa v England
New Zealand v Samoa

20:16

Match 24 – Pool D: England v Australia

Battle of spedsters out wide Varndell v Sills. The latter gives Australia an early lead though. All Australia here as they attack the gain-line with speed and accuracy. Missed tackle from Powell and Stannard extends the Oz lead. 12-0. England hold on with big last ditch tackles but eventually they just have too many numbers. 19-0. Varndell threatens for England but it’s not enough. Drinks.

Australia just too clinical at the moment, this is one of their best performances of the year. Foley is in. Moments later it is England committing another penalty and numbers again appear with Karauria-Henry scoring. Kick is good and Oz lead 31-0. This is a bit of a reality check for the hosts. Youngs is sniping and pulling one back for England. Latunipulu is on for OZ and rubbing the salt into the wounds for Eng with another try.

Result: England 5 Australia 38

20:00

Wales through with New Zealand on top. Wales to play Argentina, and Samoa to meet New Zealand tomorrow!

The roar of Twickenham now! Fifth placed England to tackle fourth placed Australia now – the last match of a fascinating day. These Ashes clashes are always close and exciting affairs on the IRB Sevens, this will be no different. Winner to face Fiji, loser South Africa. They last met in Hong Kong back in March with England scoring late to clinch a 26-19 thriller.

19:58

Match 23 – Pool B: New Zealand v Kenya

Captain Humphrey Kayange exploits a gap in the New Zealand defence and flies across the line to give them the lead. 7-0. Just as it looks as if Kenya are in again, a Kiwi interception halts their progress. Stowers takes it the length of the pitch to touchdown and that’s 7-7. Pure power and strength displayed there by Captain DJ Forbes to hold off a number of Kenyans before offloading to top-scorer of the day Kurt Baker. 14-7. Lovely dummy show from Asego and Kenya attack before half time. They move the ball into the Kiwi 22 and the move is finished off in style by Dennis Mwanja. 14-12 to the Kiwis at half time and the Kenyans need a big push in the next 7 minutes to progress to the Cup.

One Word. Beautiful. Simiyu breaks into the Kiwi half and provides a sublime reverse offload to allow Collins Injera to sprint over. Simiyu made a fantastic gap there and its 19-14 to Kenya. DJ Forbes tries a spear tackle and the Kenyans don’t appreciate it. The South Stand (aka. Nairobi) lets DJ know their feelings. Kenya still with a narrow lead. Forbes’ response? A try in the corner as NZ use numbers wide. It’s all on this kick then. Raikabula makes a hash of the conversion 19-19. Great game.

Result: New Zealand 19 Kenya 19

19:36

Brian, Kenya:
Let's go boys. We need to beat these New Zealand boys to stay in the Cup. Are the crowd going while Robin?

Yes Brian, Kenyan fans going nuts stamping and 'Ole, Ole, Ole' is being chanted along with the now familiar 'Let's go Kenya'. Spine tingling passion for their boys.

19:32

South Africa top Pool C on points difference. They meet the loser of Eng/OZ later. Right Pool B. New Zealand will top it. But Kenya must win to head to the quarter-finals, otherwise it will be Wales going through. Hope you are following.

19:30

Match 22 – Pool C: Fiji v South Africa

Fiji look the much more menacing here and really playing a physical brand up the middle. They really look up for it. Afrika defends for SA but it is a penalty to Fiji and they take advantage with a try to Burotu. Where are Fiji getting this energy from?! Another break up the middle for the Islanders see Tinai supporting, 14-0 to Fiji. Benjamin pulls one back for SA stepping and accelerating away under the sticks.

Benjamin inspired here folks. He chips over the Fiji line, collects then shows cracking strength to wriggle over. 14-14. This is a classic Fiji/SA clash tight, tense, and nervous. Juries is on and that’s a genius pass inside to Afrika to push SA in front further. James Brown (not the soul singer) gets past a weak Stick tackle to sore late on. Kamea converts and it is 21-21. Frantic finish as Juries is almost in. But no it is a draw.

Result: Fiji 21 South Africa 21

19:11

UR7s reporter Tom McArther spoke to Fiji coach Iliesa Tanivula about the decision from Premier Rugby to pull Satala and Rabeni from theteam for insurance reasons? Fiji are down to 10 men now.

“We are playing with two less players than everyone else in the tournament, remember that“This is means that our players don’t have the same recovery (as other sides). Our boys will be getting tired. And this will show.”

19:08

Samoa and Argentina through to QF. Into the business end of things now...

South Africa must be sick to the back teeth of Fiji. Numerous times this season the two have met and apart from one occasion Fiji have pipped them. Could change here though with Fiji lacking the firepower and the Boks having the superior edge in conditioning. Winner to face England/OZ?

19:05

Match 21 – Pool A: Samoa v Argentina

Cagey start this. Todeschini punts it long and Pesamino decides to kick it out. From the resulting line-out Bruzzone goes route one breaks a tackle and is in! 0-7 to Argentina. Back come Samoa with Mai skipping in after good build up from the forwards. 5-7 to Arg Howler from the Pumas there as Todeschini drops a sitter with the line begging. Arg lead at the interval.

Brillant terrier like defence from Argentina keeping Samoa at bay. Fa’osiliva gets it and bursts up this neat touchline in front of us before offloading to Mai. Samoa lead 10-7. Great chip from del Busto who collects and then off-loads to Nunez Lasalle. Arg lead 10-14! And that’s it. Samoa’s first loss in 20 games!

Result: Samoa 10 Argentina 14

18:49

Argentina looking good for the quarter-finals but just need to avoid getting thrashed against Samoa.

History suggest it is pretty even between the pair. Played each other 37 times with Samoa taking 20 to the Pumas 16. The South Americans actually beat them back in George in December. Can’t see lightning striking twice though. Samoa have been awesome today.

18:47

Match 20 - Pool D: Scotland v Russia

Andrew Turnbull runs the Russian defence ragged and scores under the posts. 7-0. Russia aren’t going to simply roll over for the Scottish and they equal the match with a try through Igor Galinovskiy. Now’s that a mouthful! 7-7. An immediate Scottish response though as Andrew Turnbull flies past the static Russian defenders for a second time. 14-7 and that’s the half.

Right after the break Turnbull pops up in the right place as Lee Jones runs out of steam and offloads before the line. Hat-trick to Turnbull and its 19-7. Lev sleptsov has a chance to pull one back for Russia but he fumbles and knocks the ball over the Scottish 22! We’re up the other end and Chris Fusaro takes a bad knock. He’s replaced by Colin Shaw as the game moves into the last 3 minutes. Scots are still in command. John Houston hits a smart gap and puts Ali Hogg in for a score in the corner. That makes it 24-7. Top D from Shaw in the dying seconds keeps Gostyuzhev out and that’s game.

Result: Scotland 24 Russia 7

18:26

The drums of the South Stand band ring out yet again as day 1 nears its conclusion. Of course they are singing over there too and they definitely made it to the right place. Fancy dress sports today apart from Superheroes? Mexicans, Lycra, Baywatch, Lederhosen etc etc.

18:21

Match 19 – Pool B: Wales v Portugal

Portugal start the stronger and some good grappling on the floor sees Foro take it wide before popping back into Esteves. 0-5. Wales not at the races here and Frederico Oliveira makes them pay with a seven pointer to Portugal. Wales with experienced campaigners like Hill and Shellard try and hit back but fair play to Portugal who keep them out.

It’s just not happening for Wales at the moment. They push but the Portuguese hold firm with disciplined D. Ow! Shellard treats the ball like soap and spills it. Williams goes wide for Wales straightens and finds Hill on his shoulder. 7-12 to Portugal still. Ifan Evans showing good wheels to round his man. 12-12! Touchline kick from Davies is good. 14-12 to Wales. Wales win but it’s not enough to get them into the Cup QF.

Result: Wales 14 Portugal 12

18:09

Scooby Doo has been spotted in the West Stand, and apparently he supports Wales. Who would have thought it. The Welsh meet Portugal now. They are level with Kenya on points in Pool B. But behind on points difference, let's see if they make in-roads here.

Don’t always give Portugal the respect they might deserve. Some handy guys give them thrust like Leal, Foro, and Esteves.

18:04

Match 18- Pool C: Canada v France

Canada look the busier of the two sides early on with Mack and Hirayama calling the shots. The pair throw a couple of long passes out to Sean Duke who expertly finishes. But France hit back and make yards up the Twickenham turf using an offloading game. Palisi bravely finishes moments later and it is 7-5 to Canada.

Canada happy to spread the play and use the width out wide. Mensah-Coker does really well to avoid his man and hit Hirayama. That’s his 11th of the season. He is in again moments later slicing them open with a step off his right. Phil Mack follows him shortly after and the Canadians are flooding a sorry looking French outfit. 26-5.

Result: Canada 26 France 5

17:42

Both Canada and France must do with the Bowl tomorrow. These two played out a belter back in Vegas this season with the French stealing it at the end. Oh Vegas! Happy memories of that place...Woop!

17:40

Match 17 - Pool A: USA v Italy

Italy start well and Riccardo Pavan scores their first points of the tournament. Poor defence from the Americans really but 5-0 nonetheless. Italy then however show class to run the ball wide and Pavan finishes for his, and Italy’s, second. 10-0. A test for the Americans here, but they respond to it with a try from their number 5, Zach..erm..Test. 10-7. That score takes us to half time and bottles of Powerade swarm the pitch.

Italy find themselves with space at the start of the second half and Diego Varani breaks down the line. He passes long to Pavan but its intercepted! Kevin Swiryn opens his tank of gas and charges downfield to score. 14-10. Drama here at Twickenham in the final round of pool games. USA, with a chance of progressing to the Cup semi-finals , find themselves beaten by a last play score from Italy's Alberto Cigarini. 14-17 and it is curtains for America. They need Samoa to thrash Italy to give them a hope.

Result: USA 14 Italy 17

17:36

So far Samoa, New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji, England, and Australia through to the quarter-finals.

Argentina, USA, Kenya, and Wales fight it out for the remaining two spots into tomorrow’s cup competition.

Andy Lane talks you through the next game: USA v Italy

17:12

USA's American Football convert approving off my Superheroes Sevens line-up.

"I would be Spiderman, I like Spiderman. I think it would be cool to able to shoot a web like that," he told the IRB.

17:07

Three of the Kiwi sevens Stars walk amongst the west stand. No chance of them dancing along to the Whitney Houston song that reverberates round the ground. Got their game faces on. Tim Mikkelson has been operating with his very hip yellow headphones on for most of the season when he hasn't been on the field.

17:04

Last round of games coming up and some biggies to get excited for later on tonight:

Fiji v South Africa
New Zealand v Kenya
England v Australia

17:03

Superhero Sevens Squad: Iron Man

Iron Man possesses powered armour that gives him superhuman strength and durability, flight, and an array of weapons. As Robert Downey Jnr has shown in recent films Iron Man loves a big stage, suiting the IRB Sevens, and his witty banter would go down a storm with the lads on Tour. Ideal.

Squad so far: Batman, Captain America, Spiderman, Iron Man,

17:02

30,000 supporters finish the chorus of James Brown's 'I feel Good' acapella as the tannoy cuts out during the England Scotland game. Good times at England Rugby's HQ.

Rich:
England came back strongly there, mark of a good team. Not bad options for Ben Ryan, take off Christian Wade and put on Tommy Varndell. Speed kills!

16:53

Match 16 - Pool D: England v Scotland

All Scotland so far as a stray kick from Christian Wade hands possession back to the Scots. Scotland go blind and although it looks like a knock-on Shaw is awarded the score. He is in again moments later as England appear to be sleeping. 0-10 to Scots. Back come the hosts and Rodwell stretches the defence before finding Wade on his shoulder. 5-10. Rodwell again drives up the middle offloads to Gollings who goes in for his 200th score! 10-10 at the half-time.

Mat Turner having a blinder here first his work gives Rodwell a try and then he is scoring himself cutting across the paddock. 24-0. Varndell on and its moved sharpish to him and he blazes away a path around Turnbull. Crazy speed. 29-10 to England. Brilliant hands from Young and Barrett, seizing on a Scottish error, and Varndell can walk that in. 36-10.

Result: England 36 Scotland 10

16:39

Re-run of last year’s semi-final now with England taking on the Auld enemy Scotland. England on paper should have too much in their locker backed up by a vociferous crowd. But if guys like Roddy Grant and Ally Hogg can get in the faces of the dangerous England strike runners it could get interesting.

16:33

Match 15 – Pool B: Australia v Russia

Australia once again the boo-boys but score early on despite a despairing Russia track-back. Aussies just have too much pace out wide for the Europeans and Karauria-Henry, one of the finds of the season, doubles the lead. Phipps scores another one before the isotonic beverages are brought on. 21-0 to Australia.

Ed Stubbs, now playing Super 14 rugby, powers through to extend this further for the Aussies. Yakapo has proved himself to be a powerful impact man today his hard work sees Foley in. Russia spill the ball and Yakapo scoops up and finds Karauria-Henry. 40-0. Yakapo is rewarded with a late try, hitch-kicking out of a tackle, and that was an Aussie hammering.

Result: Australia 47 Russia 0

16:11

What's the name of the kid who transformed into Bannaman. Eric!?

Talking of banana skins, Australia will be keen to avoid another slip up against Russia now. The last time these two played it ended up being a 14-14 draw in George, South Africa.

16:10

Match 14 – Pool B: Kenya v Wales

All Wales! First it’s Ifan Evan darting off his left and going on a mazy run to the line from 40m. Then Rhys Jones finishes off a neat move to make it 0-12. Kenyan fans still going nuts. But they have conceded another. Jones again the beneficiary of a turnover. 0-17 to Wales. Kenya hit back when a quick-tap from penalty sees number left and a try for Kayange.

A cheeky grubber from Wales see the experienced Craig Hill over to make it 22-5. Back come the Shuuja though with Adongo cutting off his right and superbly rounding Jones. 10-22 to Wales though. Kenya really trying to get back here. Simiyu makes a break and Injera finishes, 17-22 to Kenya. 24 secs left. Adongo away again but phenomenal tackle from Rhys Jones saves the day. Wales win!

Result: Kenya 17 Wales 22

15:57

This could be a goodie with Wales not far off Kenya’s standard. Alex Cuthbert has been a handful this season always looking threatening with ball in hand. Other Welsh guys on show here like Craig Hill and Jevon Groves will be playing in the National Sevens Series here in the UK run by the boys here at UR7s.

15:55

Kenyan following in the corner of East-South Stands has swelled. Huge Kenyan following here today. It is all red with flags waving and horns sounding. It's like Nairobi over there. Great scenes. Kenya contingent get going and I think I can see a lone Bananaman in there getting in the mixer. Boom.

15:53

Match 13 - Pool C: New Zealand v Portugal

As expected , New Zealand set the tone in the early stages. Its Kurt Baker, after scoring a hat- rick in the Kiwis first pool game, who goes in first after a neat scissors offload from Tomasi Cama. 7-0. Aderito Esteves shows pure tenacity to beat two Kiwi tackles, with Portugal showing promise here. And they’ve turned it into points. A smooth break from Joseph Gardener for his second of the tournament. 7-7. Just as I was thinking what a tight half it has been, guess who steps up with a break of quality to give New Zealand the half time lead? Mr Kurt Baker himself. Still, a good showing from Portugal as we take a break at 14-7.

And the second half starts in the same vein that the first ended, with a Kurt Baker score under the posts. That’s two hat-ricks already in the day for the flying Kiwi and its only just gone 3 o’clock. New Zealand score again as the effect of Portugal’s first half efforts are starting to show. Save Tokula makes it a comfortable 28-7. Baker looks like he needs a lie down...any water on site? Hello hello. A big cheer as Pedro Leal darts his way through the Kiwi defence. 28-12. But his efforts are eclipsed within the blink of an eye as Sherwin Stowers returns the re-start right back over the Portuguese line. 35-12. Game Over.

Result: New Zealand 35 Portugal 12

15:50

Superhero Sevens Squad: Spiderman

Spider-Man has superhuman strength, a sixth sense ("spider-sense") that alerts him to danger, perfect balance and equilibrium, as well as superhuman speed and agility. A sticky customer on the field, opposition defences BEWARE! Just hope his on/off relationship with Mary-Jane could make long trips away on the IRB circuit tricky!

Squad so far: Batman Captain America, Spiderman

15:33

Some Twitter action.

UnaisiJSerevi:

@UR7s yeyah GO SAMOA ;)

Tony, New Zealand:
NZ and Samoa looking streets ahead of anyone at the mo. Expect Portugal to get a thumping from the kiwis in the next game. Baker is a heck of a player.

15:26

My assistant Andy has just had a walk...Where's Wally isn't a hard game to play at twickenham today apparantly. He has just seen seven queuing for burgers! Must be boiling in those winter hats.

15:25

Match 12 – Pool C: South Africa v Canada

Paul Treu will be pretty happy with this. Ryno Benjamin playing out wide today enjoying the extra room and is looking electric. 5-0. Stick also looking sharp and he goes in soon after. 12-0. Afrika darting around and he changes the direction and Benjamin gets his double. 19-0. Treu skips on to give his half-time appraisal.

Benjamin completes his hat-trick to make this a guaranteed W for the Boks. It’s all too much for the Maple Leafs who cough ball with the green wall approaching and Afrika hoovers up and goes in from half-way. Afrika spots a gap and chips through, MJ Mentz touches down. Outrageous dummy from Powell gives SA another. 43-0. A Pumping that.

Result: South Africa 43 Canada 0

15:12

Boks looking to cement their quarter-final spot for tomorrow now. A win over Canada would set up another epic with Fiji later. Reckon the Boks will have the better of later Islanders, playing the far more fluid sevens currently.

15:08

UR7s reporter Tom McArthur has just caught up with England's Micky Young:

“The first game was a good chance for us to blow away any cobwebs and try some things early on in the day. Russia played well in the first half, but I think if the ball had gone to hand for Ben Gollings in the first minute, then things would have been different. The first game gave us chance to settle, but we are going to treat each match like a cup final and aim to improve each time.”

On Ben Gollings' celebrations for his 200th IRB try...he is on 199 currently:

“Ben plays his cards pretty close to his chest, but I am sure that he will have something to smash out, the crowds should keep an eye on him!”

15:05

Match 11 – Pool C: Fiji v France

Early try for Tinai who is another Fijian here on his debut. They are the quintessential sevens experts on breakaways. Vaquin pulls one back for France but another Tinai try gives Fiji a decent cushion at the break. With such a small bench they are going to be tired boys tonight, let me tell you.

Like the look of Randall Kamea here, he again makes a break to open out Fiji’s lead. France having to make an awful lot of tackles here and Semi Keli takes full of advantage to push Fiji 29-7 in front. Lovely Moet flair from France at the end though. Palis collects his own chip and hits Canviet who gives Les Bleus the final say.

Result: Fiji 29 France 14

14:57

Fiji doing it the hard way here with only 10 in the squad as it seems Rabeni and Satala have been pulled late-doors from the set up by the Premiership clubs/PRL. We will do some digging. They take on France now as they look for that quarter-final spot.

14:53

Match 10 - Pool A: Argentina v usa

Argentina penetrates the American defence early on with classy running rugby and Santiago Bottini finds his way through to the corner. Missed conversion. 5-0. The USA concede a plenty inside their 22, and Joaquin Todeschini makes the most of the position to fly over the try line. 12.0. Kevin Swiryn can’t make the most of a spell of US possession as he fumbles a looped pass out wide, it dribbles into touch. Time for an energy drink.

Not much to shout about in the first half, but the US turn up early doors in the second with a beautiful dancing break from Zach Test before he offloads to Marco Barnard for the score. 12-7. Nunez and del Busto enter the fray for Argentina. At the risk of sounding cliché, this really is end to end stuff. USA piles everything on in the last seconds and look like winning it...and they do! Marco Barnard buries his way over to take the game 12-14. Dramatic stuff .

Result: Argentina 12 USA 14

14:20

Superhero Sevens Squad: Captain America

Captain America has no superhuman powers, although as a result of the Super-Soldier Serum and "Vita-Ray" treatment, he is transformed from a frail young man into a "perfect" human specimen. His strength, endurance, agility, speed, reflexes, durability and healing are at the highest limits of natural human potential. Perfect for rigours of two days of IRB Sevens.

Squad so far: Batman, Captain America...

14:19

A big Samoan fan has been waving her giant flag in the west stand for a while now. Very patriotic but that arm might need some ice if she carries on much longer. Along with the Kenyans they just seem to get so much support around the globe.

14:18

Match 9 – Pool A: Samoa v Italy

Wow. Just 16 seconds it took for Samoa to put 4 passes to hand and Mai is in. Missed tackles from Italy and Aiono who is again starting burns through to score. Top conversion from the machine Lui. Samoans go up the middle they go wide and Pesamino squeezes in for his 49th of the campaign. 24-0 to Samoa at break.

Treviranus imposing himself on this game and his smart work gives a juggling Mai a second try. Treviranus then scores from a mazy run after more hard yards by the Islanders’ forward line. Otto has been another find for Stephen Betham’s team, his try makes this a 41-0 ball game. Samoa looking so so impressive. They are first through to the quarter-finals.

Result: Samoa 41 Italy 0

14:09

Some reaction from NZ captain DJ Forbes speaking to the IRB:

"It is good that we are still in the race which is the key. But everyone knows to win a tournament you get 24, so three isn't going to be much buffer. For us we just need to focus going through our pool games."

13:49

Adam, Manchester:
I went to this event a few years ago and it was fun but it seems a lot more fans through the gate this time around. London matching the likes of Dubai and Hong Kong Robin?

Heading that way Adam, think there is about 30,000 here today. Terrific 'atmos' building mate. Get on the train from Manchester down.

13:46

Match 8 – Pool D: England v Russia

Bad start for England, with Barrett slipping off a tackle and Ostroushko silencing Twickenham momentarily. 0-5 to Russia. Back come England with Barrett making metres and then Powell using Rodwell as a decoy to go in. 5-5. Turner is a go to man for England and he sucks defenders before finding Gollings who is over for his 199th IRB try and England lead at drinks, 12-5.

Quick line-out and Barrett goes blind sneakily finding Rodwell, who gallops home from 75m. 17-5 to Eng. Some good telepathy between Gollings and Barrett and Wade, who is on for Varndell, goes under the sticks, 43-5. Russian seem so worried about England’s defence out wide that there are gaps centrally. Turner scythes through. England safe.

Result: England 29 Russia 5

13:25

Defending champions England make their first appearance on the weekend. Crowd spring to life with a plethora of Superheroes now on their feet ‘givin it laaaarge’ for Ben Ryan’s boys. They face Russia, who we found out last week will host the 2013 RWC Sevens. A big boost for a rapidly growing sport in the region. These two actually drew 17-17 back in Murrayfield in 08! This should be comfortable though...

13:25

Huge cheer from a sun drenched Twickenham crowd as England emerge for a warm up. Not quite the same reception for Australia however, virtually every try they run in against Scotland carries with it a distinctive chorus of boos. Welcome to England!

13:23

Match 7 – Pool D: Australia v Scotland

Vanderglass goes in early for OZ, 5-0. But the Scots begin to dominate with Adamson and Shaw combining to release Forrest to score before Houston bursts through the middle for another. 5-12 to Scotland. Lovely delayed pass from Stannard put away Clinton Sills whose long strides eat up the Twickers turf. 10-12. Stannard is like Geppetto the puppeteer, this time he dummies and scoots over himself. 15-12 to OZ.

Sills gets some room and he just rips it past Adamson in his snazzy new pink boots.. 22—12 to OZ. Foley this time creates and he goes wide to....Sills. Hat-trick. 27-12. Adamson does well to suck in a man then release and Turnbull pulls one back for Scotland. 29-17. Top game this. Poor D from Scotland with Yakapo breaking and feeding Karauria-Henry. That is his 22nd of the year. Vanderglass started now finishes the scoring as OZ push out to 41-17.

Result: Australia 43 Scotland 17

13:09

Thanks to my trusty assistant Andy Lane who covered that last match. Sterling stuff Andy.

Australia/Scotland. Whereas the Aussies have lost a couple of men, like Pat McCutcheon to the Waratahs, Scotland are able to select eight members of last year's squad who made the semi-finals in both London and Edinburgh. Rangy winger Clinton Sills has recovered from injury and gives a turbo boost injection to the fourth placed Aussies.

13:08

Match 6 – Pool B: Kenya v Portugal

Kenya fling the ball wide right from the off and Dennis Muhanji darts in for an early score. 5-0. Collins Injera, one of the quickest men on the circuit, promptly stretches his legs for a second try to Kenya. His 92nd IRB Sevens try in all competitions. 10-0. Looped pass to David Mateus at the other end and he jinks past a Kenyan defender to pull a score back. 10-5. A quick second for Portugal and we are all level. Joseph Gardener scores in the corner. 10-10. And that’s half-time.

After a scrappy start to the second half, Injera goes flying down the wing and ingeniously cross field kicks to Humphrey Kayange for the Kenyans 3rd. 17-10. Close but no cigar for Goncalo Foro who has his pass intercepted by Injera just inches from the Kenyan line. However, moments later, Foro gets his reward and finishes well in the corner. 17-15, maybe too close for Kenya’s liking, but there’s the final whistle and they make it home and dry...just.

Result: Kenya 17 Portugal 15

12:57

The big screen pans over the stadium in between matches and there’s dancing in the stands already.. lots of fancy dress and liquid refreshment is flowing...this party is getting going folks

12:40

The theme for this weekend is very much Superheroes with an attempted fancy dress record happening tomorrow. UR7s are getting in the swing of it to. Throughout this weekend we will be unveiling our Superheroes Sevens squad.

Superhero Sevens Squad: Batman

The Batman character relies on his own scientific knowledge, detective skills, and athletic prowess. Ticks all the boxes for me. From a Sevens perspective he would look cool in tight fit stash and he could dishonestly dig around the teams hotel looking for clues on the opposition. Plus he could transport the rest his teammates in arguably the ‘pimpest’ wheels around.. the Batmobile.

12:40

Match 5 – Pool B: New Zealand v Wales

Kurt Baker can classify himself as one the best players in the world on a 7s pitch and he scores early on. Men in Black come in swarms and little Tomasi Cama is over, another missed kick. 10-0. Mikkelson is a tricky customer and he steps out of another tackle to make it 15-0. Cuthbert breaks and little Lee Rees is supporting and scoring. Twickenham decibels are raised. 15-5

Stowers is back! Cutting past his man and running a lung bursting diagonal run to make this 22-5. Baker just too classy for the Welsh first rounding his man after dummying to Stowers, then crossing under the H. 36-5. Walker in some hand bags with Souness, Cama plays on and rounds things off for NZ.

Result: New Zealand 43 Wales 5

12:22

Potential banana skin for New Zealand against Wales now. Saying that the Welsh have only beaten the Kiwis once in IRB history (Wellington 2008). Stowers and Raikabula key returnees for NZ as they chase IRB glory once more.

12:19

Match 4 – Pool C: South Africa v France

South Africa block off France with some brave ‘D’ before getting things going when returning Mzwandile Stick breaks through. 5-0 to Boks. Stick looking really threatening here accelerating away from Acebes to double the Boks’ advantage. 14-0. France must be kicking themselves they didn’t take advantage of their early pressure. Take a breather.

French error gifts the Boks the ball and Afrika, in his 7th IRB tourney, is supporting to finish it off. 19-0 to Boks. But French hit back smartly with Poujol breaking to close the defecit. Juries is on the pitch! Delmas thinks he is in but that is solid from Benjamin keeping out. But Delmas is off again, chipping and collecting past Afrika. 19-12

Result: Fiji 28 Canada 19

12:15

Dan, London:
Robin I am heading over to Twickers now to watch England dispatch the Russians, Scots, and Aussies. Going to be a belter! I’ll be the one wearing the tutu!

12:05

Welcome back to South Africa legend Fabian ‘Fabba’ Juries. Oh lovely. 173 tries to him in an illustrious IRB Sevens career. Blitzbokke aiming to finish strongly after a ‘transition year’ for the reigning Series champs. Don’t expect much from France although Renaud Delmas has been a shining light with 25 tries for the sprightly winger.

11:59

Match 3 – Pool B: Fiji v Canada

Fiji press but some errors creep in and Canada look threatening here. They make ground and then it’s Sean Duke injecting some hustle and going in. 0-5. Fiji cough ball again and then concede a penalty. Canada break and Hirayama goes in to the delight of Morgan Williams. 12-0 Canada! Fiji hit back with Kamea’s break finished by Burotu. 7-12 to Canada at drinks.

Brilliant from Votu cutting in, twirling and reverse passing to Kamea who swan dives in. 14-12. Fiji hitting back in style with Tuidraki going past Duke to extend the lead. 21-12. But Canada aren’t giving up easy and they have numbers left, but Phil Mack doesn’t need them. 21-19 to Fiji, this is tight. Where do Fiji find these animals?! Debutant Isake Katonibau dances past the Canadian sweeper. That is your lot.

Result: Fiji 28 Canada 19

11:40

Fiji missing some key men for the next two weeks. No Vucago, Kolinisau Cakau or Waisale Beci. They have bought back veterans Seru Rabeni and Satala though but it all smells of a hastily put together invitational team. Will they have the Sevens fitness. They face Canada first up. Morgan Williams’ pups had a superb Wellington but not so good Vegas or Hong Kong this season. Will rely on experienced guys like Mack and journeymen like Mensah-Coker.

11:36

Match 2 – Pool A: Argentina v Italy

Santiago Gomez-Cora, the all-time leading try-scorer in the IRB Sevens, goes in early to give the Pumas a lead. 5-0. Scrappy stuff this as the teams try and get into their stride. Argentina like terriers in defence turn it over and Bottini supports well. Conversion is a-OK. 12-0. Drinks.

Italy enjoying lots of ball but not showing much composure. Todeschini makes them pay darting through. 19-0. Pumas getting into their stride nicely with Nunez Lasalle enjoying his return to the side getting on the end of a move that was orchestrated by Bruzzone. Gomez-Cora bags another before the break. 29-0.

Result: Argentina 29 Italy 0

11:21

Pumas enter the fray for an early gallop against the Italian Stallions. Not Rocky Balboa mind, the Italy Sevens team who have a whopping seven debutants on show this weekend. Both sides also met at the last tournament in HK with the South Americans dominating 42-0. Expect more of the same here with Arg looking strong with Gomez-Cora, Nunez Lasalle, Todeschini in the mixer.

11:16

Match 1 – Pool A: Samoa v USA

Samoa on the attack from the off and they work it left-right before flooding the near side with Aiono in for the try. Barnard breaks for USA but a Swiryn knock on gifts Samoa ball. Lui breaks and that Pesamino is in. 14-0. Aiono looking good, breaking out and Fa’osiliva is big and strong. 21-0. Ruthless. USA just can’t get the ball and another Fa’osiliva try makes this 26-0 at drinks.

Bit of a nightmare for the US this as Lui extends the lead to 33-0. Samoa’s defense outstanding but Baranrd is bobbing and weaving and feeding Swiryn and USA are off the mark. Ouch Mikaele limps off for Samoa with a nasty looking rib injury. Breakout again and Samoa go in for new guy Toelupe. 38-7. Bokhoven grabs a late US score but it’s all over.

Result: Samoa 38 USA 14

10:56

So as usual the top seeds kick off proceedings on day 1 of the IRB Sevens and that means Samoa of course. They play USA.

The Samoans just have to be professional on this opening day and get through unharmed. Pesamino has been on try-scoring fire this season. USA watch out. Big ask for the much improved Americans who are missing the likes of Matt ‘Polar Bear’ Hawkins this weekend. These two met in Hong Kong’s quarter-finals last month with Samoa triumphing 24-7.

10:53

It’s not just tactical for the boys on the pitch, a well thought out strategy for the fans is a pre-requisite. Fancy dress can get sweltering in certain attires. We will keep you posted with all the bizarre sights in the stands.

10:49

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10:48

Weather Updates : Scorchio! London might have had some of the most outrageously cold and gritty weather known to man this year but the sevens gods are shining brightly. It’s going to be hot, sticky, and blue skies for both Saturday and Sunday. Just the way we like it on the IRB Sevens World Series.

10:40

Playing out of their skins the Samoans have won at Vegas, Adelaide, and Hong Kong to lead the table for the first time ever. They have never won the overall IRB title. Will that change this season? Stay tuned.

10:39

I have travelled the globe for you rugby sevens fans in what has been an extraordinary season. First we have New Zealand dominance as they stormed to wins in Dubai and George (SA). Then Fiji had their time in the sun wowing the fun-fuelled Wellington crowds. Since then it has been all about one team. Samoa.

10:36

The tournament is part of the IRB Sevens World Series, a competition that pits the finest national sevens sides on the planet against each other across eight different tournaments. Each nation scores points based on their performances in these competitions until the season ends in May and one team is crowned as the World Series champions.

Get it? Got it? Well done.

10:35

If you are logging onto this and have no idea what I’m banging on about with this World Series malarky fear not. Here is a brief summary...ahem:

10:33

I think it was Eminem who once dubbed the lyric, "Guess who's back. Back again. Heymann's back. Tell a friend." Braaap.

That's right UR7s are back at one of the world’s most magnificent rugby stadia. Twickenham. The penultimate leg of the IRB Sevens World Series is on...
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