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Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens - Sat 29 May 2010

Scotland is the location for the final leg of the IRB Sevens World Series. Samoa hold a seven point lead from nearest rivals New Zealand with the Pacific Islanders on course for a maiden Series win. Robin Heymann is once again bringing you to Live Text Commentary from the Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield. Who will prevail at the birthplace of rugby sevens?

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

19:49

Mouthwatering stuff tomorrow! Can Samoa finally break their IRB Series break! Or will NZ take the crown for a ninth overall time? Who will take the Edinburgh title? So many questions and a lot to look forward to for tomorrow's final day of the IRB crown. See you bright and early tomorrow.

19:44

Jon Bolter, UR7s Blogger, :
Scotland really helped form their 15s boys returning. They warmed up in London weekend and those guys coming back have 7s in their legs. Will this mean the Scotland officials will allow them to compete in the Commonwealth Games?

19:40

Nick somes it up nicely there. Samoa still in control but NZ still very much in the hunt. And Scotland?! What a struggle it has been for them this year but they were probably the form team here today in front of 11,000 fans.

19:37

Nick Jordan, UR7s Blogger, Down Under, :
Samoa two wins away from the IRB title, though the Boks will fancy their chances tomorrow, 6 wins and a draw from their last 7 outings against the boys in blue. Scotland top their pool for the first time since London 2009. And win through to the quarters for the fourth year in-a-row at home.

19:33

Tomorrow's Cup quarter-finals:

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

19:31

Match 24 – Pool D: Wales v Scotland

Scotland, as they have done all day, come out with a real energy. Ally Hogg has been superb and his hand off gives him room and Houston is over. 0-7 to Scotland. Lee Rees is now breaking out and chipping the Scottish sweeper with aplomb to level this tie up. Laidlaw/Grant have combined beautifully all day and it continues here with the latter evading the cover to score. Wales 7 – Scotland 14. Scots keep forcing these turnovers and they score again thanks to Shaw. Scots lead 7-21.

Ifan Evans binned for Wales and a the rampant Scots make them pay with Cairns scoring in the corner. This is a remarkable turnaround for Stephen Gemmell’s team. 7-26 to Scot. Alex Walker on for Wales and he dummies and scrambles over. 14-26 to Scotland. Grant has really galvanised this side today and he is pirouetting out of a tackle. Wales 14 Scotland 33. Walker is brisk and he scythes through again for Wales but it is far too late.

Result: Wales 21 Scotland 33

19:20

Last game of the day now. Scotland and Wales. This group is tight also with Scotland, Wales or Fiji still fighting for two quarter-finals spots.

19:10

Australia (1st) and England (2nd) qualify from Pool C to tomorrow's Cup quarter-finals.

19:09

Match 23 – Pool C: Australia v England

England start with a bang with Odouza turning ball over and Young jinking before giving it to Gollings. 0-7. Odouza now blazes a trail down his wing past a helpless Aussies tackle, 0-14 to England. This is a rout now as Odouza again breaks flips inside to Powell who in turn hits Turner. 0-21 to Eng. Back comes the Aussies though with Sills this time getting the better of Odouza and finding Latunipulu. 7-21.

We have a ball game here. As Stannard sets a captain’s example makes a break and skins Turner. Aus 14 Eng 21. Sills causing trouble stepping past men but England hold them and win a peno. Turner breaks for England but his team are pinged again at the breakdown. Gollings boots it out but Aussies have a line-out. And Latunipulu scores at the death. Stannard has to wait for streakers on the pitch but once they are swept off he cooly slots the extras. 21-21.

Result: Australia 21 England 21

18:57

Annette Sills (Clinton Sills from Australia's Mum):
Im up computer playing up lol......good luck to my boy 'Clino' and all the aussie guys. Hope they can back it this weekend fingers crossed. Love Nettie

18:50

Pool C is tight. Australia are through but who will join them? England probably as long as they don't get thrashed by the Aussies next.

Australia and England have had some belting matches this season, None more so then England’s dramatic quarter-final victory in Hong Kong. Yet at the Pool stages last week it was Australia who completely school the Poms 38-5. That set the platform for the Australians run in my opinion. This is going to be a real battle though.

18:46

Match 22 – Pool D: USA v Fiji

Fiji lifted by some inspirational song from their 150 or so fans to the left take the lead early with a Votu try. But the USA using their offloading game and they make yards and Blaine Scully is over for Al Caravelli’s side. But Randell Kamea is now left with some room and he breezes through the gears to give Fiji an advantage. 5-12 to Fiji.

Bokhoven is big and strong and he ploughs forward, with Zach Test finishing moments later. Kick is gooooood. 12-12. Fiji though are playing their tempo and push the Americans in the corner, Kamea has enough left in the tank to support and give his side the lead again. 12-17 to Fiji. Fiji have a big size advantage over the Americans and Enosa (USA) is smashed into there. Ball is recycled and Burotu is in for 12-24 to Fiji.

Result: USA 12 Fiji 24

18:32

Fiji can give themselves a good shot if they beat the USA well here but like Pool A, this Pool D is pretty tight. We will have to wait and see. As it is Scotland lead with Fiji second and Wales third via points difference.

Fijians only side to hand out some debuts this weekend. with Ifereimi Boladau and Jack Prasad making are on ‘deboo’ but have mainly taken on H20/Isotonic drink carrying duties on day 1.

18:27

So... New Zealand v Argentina, South Africa v Samoa tomorrow in the QFs

18:26

Match 21 – Pool B: New Zealand v South Africa

Forbes powers over early on and gives South Africa’s Benjamin a look which effectively say ‘you got owned’. But back come the Boks, playing a patient brand of Sevens and waiting for gaps to occur and Mentz is worked in after good build-up by Afrika. Boks lead! Benjamin showing good power and desire just before the break. 12-7.

New Zealand back in control here with Lawrence and Cama linking nicely to give Tokula a score. 12-12. They lead now with Forbes showing superhuman strength. He’s having a blinder, even with that ‘orrible beard! 17-12. Boks clearly asleep and its now Mikkelson slicing them open. 24-12. South Africa just keep on coming and Juries sneaks over in the corner.

Result: New Zealand 24 – South Africa 17

18:12

One player not included in the year’s MVP award is Kurt Baker. Perhaps unlucky as he has been in superb form in the second half of the season. His mother is sitting right in front of us. How do i know this? She is wearing a coat that says ‘I’m Kurt Baker’s Mum’. Loser of this will face Samoa. These two played here at the pool stages last year with the Boks winning 14-12. Expect another low scoring one now.

18:10

Wow. My limited maths tell me that Samoa (1st, points difference +28) and Argentina (2nd, points difference +24) qualify from Pool A.

18:05

Match 20- Pool A: Samoa v Argentina

Samoa all over this one. Fa’osiliva has been my standout today would love to know what Kms he covers in a day of IRB Sevens. He opens the scoring and its 5-0. Fautua Otto is another gem of a find from Stephen Betham. He drops the hammer past Bottini to give the Islanders some decent breathing room. Tuculet pulls one back quickly for the plucky Pumas. I’ve done Argentina a discredit here and they take the lead now with Tuculet flying over just before the break. They lead 10-14.

Lovely line-out move from Pumas and Bruzzone is on hand to push them further ahead. 10-21 to Argentina. Referee Stuart Berry (RSA) didn’t rate that Lolo Lui tackle and sends him to the cooler. Samoa down to 6. Nunez LaSalle makes them pay in the corner. 10-26. Del Busto is dummying and this is turning into a real pumping. Samoa need to be careful because this is getting very in PD in Pool A.

Result: Samoa 10 Argentina 31

18:05

Match 20- Pool A: Samoa v Argentina

Samoa all over this one. Fa’osiliva has been my standout today would love to know what Kms he covers in a day of IRB Sevens. He opens the scoring and its 5-0. Fautua Otto is another gem of a find from Stephen Betham. He drops the hammer past Bottini to give the Islanders some decent breathing room. Tuculet pulls one back quickly for the plucky Pumas. I’ve done Argentina a discredit here and they take the lead now with Tuculet flying over just before the break. They lead 10-14.

Lovely line-out move from Pumas and Bruzzone is on hand to push them further ahead. 10-21 to Argentina. Referee Stuart Berry (RSA) didn’t rate that Lolo Lui tackle and sends him to the cooler. Samoa down to 6. Nunez LaSalle makes them pay in the corner. 10-26. Del Busto is dummying and this is turning into a real pumping. Samoa need to be careful because this is getting very in PD in Pool A.

Result: Samoa 10 Argentina 31

17:45

Right people we are into the business end of day 1. Some crackerlacking fixtures heading your way: Samoa v Argentina, New Zealand v South Africa, USA v Fiji, Australia v England, and Scotland v Wales.

So the Samoans will get to finish nice and early. But will they succumb to Argentina once again as they did last weekend? Samoa won’t want a slip up here. By the way the Samoans have three players nominated for the Player of the Year that will be revealed tomorrow; Fa’osiliva, Lui, Pesamino all up for the gong.

17:44

Nick Jordan, UR7s Blogger, Down Under, :
Talk about old skool...getting up in the middle of the night to switch on the telly, a hot Milo, cheese on toast, all that's missing is the late great Bill McLaren! New Zealand would probably like to meet Samoa in the quarters, will one of them lose their last game for that to happen?

17:42

Cup Qualification so far?

Pool A - France or Samoa or Argentina
Pool B - New Zealand, South Africa
Pool C- Australia, England or Canada
Pool D - Scotland, Fiji or Wales

17:36

Ally:
France doing well it seems, which is a surprise. Pool C looking interesting and Canada's Cup qualification depends on England/Australia match later with points difference tight

17:29

Match 19 – Pool C: Canada v Portugal

Portugal get out of the traps the quickest with Duarte Morreira going over. But Canada finally get some ball and they have the speed out there to threaten anyone in this competition. Thyssen de Goede scores and Canada are level. Purler of a step from Morreira though and Portugal take the lead again; 7-14 to Port.

Oliveira doing very well to push Portugal further in front (7-19) and they are looking good for that win they yearn here to reward their day’s slog. But Canada’s Duke really lightening quick and he spots a huge gap to bring his side within touching distance. But Portugal as I said earlier are a stubborn bunch and Foro picks form a breakdown and uses the greasy Muzzafield surface to slide in after getting hauled down just before...Portugal up 14-24 up and that is how it remains.

Result: Portugal 14 Canada 24

17:19

So England’s slayers are back now...Canada! It’s a re-match of last week’s epic Bowl Final between Portugal and Canada. The Cannucks got the win courtesy a Justin Mensah-Coker in that one. Morgan Williams’ Canadian side maybe young but they can be pleased with their performances this year and what a difference having the likes Duke, Moonlight, Mensah-Coker, and Phil Mack involved. Portugal have showed real glimpses too today against the Aussies and English. Can they get that ‘W’ now?

17:18

OK...true story just got locked in some very dodgy Murrayfield press room loos. Embarrassing, but finally got out of my own accord, using some force and a now very sore elbow. Don’t ask.

Match 18- Pool A: Russia 24 Italy 12...details to follow.

17:07

09/10 World Series Key Moments : Uale Mai returns
Samoa’s great playmaker didn’t get visa to play in the UK so returned to the side from the Wellington leg. He at the heart of their wins in tournament Las Vegas, Adelaide, and Hong Kong. Linking with Lolo Lui and providing a platform for Pesamino. A true master of the abbreviated game.

16:49

Match 17- Pool D: France v Kenya

France score early with the always consistent Renaud Delmas going on the outside. Dreadful from Kenya at the re-start and Canviet goes in now for a 14-0 French lead. What is up with Kenya?? They have no cutting edge at all and looking decidedly sluggish. Mathieu Acebes now rounds his man and all of a sudden the French are 21-0 up.

Kenyan score early in the second period through Adongo but the French are in control you feel here. They defend well and their work rate looks top notch. When was the last time France made a quarter-final?? That’s where they will heading now. Manoel Dall Igna converts the French pressure and at 28-7 this is all but over. Remi Vaquin has been superb for Les Bleus.

Result: France 28 Kenya 7

16:39

Victor, Kenya:
Come on Kenya. Up your game? I blame the coaches man...

Surely Kenya can't lose all three of their games today? They face the French now who they just beat in last week's Shield final.

16:27

Match 16 – Pool D: Fiji v Wales

Fiji dominate the early exchanges and Wales just about shut the door. But the captain Seremaia Burotu is in soon after. Boof (yes boof) as some clattering Fijian hits reverberate around Muzzafield. Fiji’s support play much improved form their shocker against Scotland earlier. Two more tries via Ilai Tinai for Fiji and the islanders hold a 19-0 lead at the half.

Cuthbert limps off and his injury woes continue. Bad news for the Wales that. Evans spills an easy ball for Wales now and its just not happening for them. He makes amends moments later though handing off Tinai and blazing over for an impressive score. 19-7. Prasad on debut here scores his first IRB try for Fiji with a jink/hitchkick and Fiji extend this to 26-7.

Result: Fiji 26 Wales 7

16:09

09/10 World Series Key Moments : Fiji flair lights up Wellington

Samoa may have upset the Wellington applecart by beating New Zealand back in February but it was the Fijians who took the Cup. With giants forwards like Burotou and Tuwai at their brilliant best, captain Emosi Vucago and Osea Kolinisau also proved too hot to handle. With the now dropped William Ryder used as an impact sub the Fijians should have used the success as a springboard to their season. But it was Samoa who kicked on instead.

The Fijians face Wales now in this tight Pool D. The Welsh actually beat them in Adelaide but in London’s Plate semi-finals it was the boys from South Sea who took it.

15:48

Real good feeling around on the stadium, with England bombing and the Scots beating Fiji earlier. Can the hosts back it up against USA now?

15:48

Scotland's Ally Hogg speaking to the IRB on beating Fiji earlier:

"It was a good performance. We were disappointed from last week and we talked all this week leading up to this game that we needed a big performance in the first game, just to set our stall out. Fiji first up was a tough ask but we performed really well, we did everything pretty much right, couple of lapses but that is always going to happen as the Fijians are a quality side."

15:42

Match 14 – Pool C: England v Canada

Like last week England falling foul of the referees. They concede early penalties for back-chat then Vickerman is binned. Not sure for what for exactly. Now Rodwell is giving a high shot on Canada’s de Goede. Another penalty and Conor Trainor makes England pay. 0-7 to Canada. Odouza goes for a saunter and then explodes leaving Moonlight and Duke for dead.

Sean Duke is rapido and Canada’s early second period pressure pays dividends here. 5-14 to Canada and Murrayfield just love it. Bit pathetic this anti-Englishism. Nick Royle soon silences the crowd with a swerving run to pull one back. England then jump on loose ball and Rodwell is in acres of room. English push ahead. 19-14. Sean Duke has to be one of the quickest around here and he burns off Gollings and Barrett and Canada are level.19-19. Kick is missed. England pinged and when Canada break Mensah-Coker has far too much rooms and he canters in. England lose.

Result: England 19 Canada 24

15:32

Jon Bolter, UR7s Columnist:
England need to buck their ideas up against Canada. They were poor earlier against Portugal. Can they sort out their terrible penalty count?

15:22

Match 13 – Pool C: Australia v Portugal

Ed Jenkins breaks early with his mucker Ed Stubbs on his tail with the latter giving Oz an early 7-0. Lead but Fernandes’ Portugal reply with a well worked Joseph Gardener try. But the Aussies stretch the 2008 Euro champs now and that constant threat Brackin Karauria-Henry is in. 14-7. Take a breather boyz.

Sills is cool and composed, chipping Leal and racing away for his 35th of the season. Ripper. Portugal remind of a bit of the Pumas in their never-say-attitude. Again they show good enterprise and give the pill some width with Mirra feeding Serra. 28-14 Portugal. James Stannard, Australia’s skipper, weaves in for another try now and gives the thumbs up to his colleagues. Portugal bag some consolation with Mateus but the Aussies looking good to get out of this group.

Result: Australia 35 Portugal 21.

15:05

Pedro Fernandes, Portugal coach speaking to the IRB this week:
"Playing at Twickenham and now at Murrayfield is immense, they are cathedrals of world rugby and we really want to prove ourselves and show that we have a lot of pride and quality in our game."

Australia/Portugal. I normally get some emails from Clinton Sill's mother wishing her boy good luck whenever her boys trots out for Australia. Not a peep thus far although it is in the middle of night in OZ. Let's have some email love Mrs Sills!

15:04

Richard aka 'Cole Trickle':
Who is that Russian coach? If only the Russians were as pumped for that second half as their coach was. Give him some more air time!

That would be Pavel Baronovskiy Rrrrrrichard!

So it is set-up for a belting clash between the Boks and the Kiwis later. Loser could be meeting Samoa.

15:01

Match 12 – Pool B: South Africa v Russia

South Africa starts off encouragingly with a Fabian Juries try. But then it all goes a bit scrappy with handling errors from both sides. Saffas looking a bit of flat but Russia just about keeping them out. Coach Paul Treu resting the likes of Stick, Afrika, and Horne here. Good to see Renfred Dazel back on the pitch after his drawn out knee issues.

Mentz goes in early for SA who are starting to look more elusive. Juries again causes some problems for the static Russians, cheekily slipping it inside to the Hoffman ‘Hoff’ Martiz. 19-0 and I’m just popping in v.quickly for some soup in the Media Centre, so forgive me for missing a minutes action....I’m back and don’t think I missed much. Apart from Mbiyozo who he is being stretchered off. Er, looks nasty? Perov snipes and gets one back for brave Russia, but that’s your lot here.

Result: South Africa 19 Russia 7

14:35

Tom:
Both Samoa and New Zealand unbeaten thus far. Reckon South Africa might be able to exploit the Samons later though as they missed a lot of tackles against France.

Saffas have got Russia now but as Tom says will meet the Samoans later. Lovely jubbly.

14:33

Match 11 – Pool B: New Zealand v Italy

Leaving Kurt Baker one-on-one can sting you as Italy find to their detriment early on. 5-0 to NZ. The rangy Tim Mikkelson bag his 20th of this campaign after switching with DJ Frobes. 12-0. Good work from Lawrence and Forbes as NZ are pulled down on the Italians line, but Mikkelson hoovers up for another. 19-0 to NZ and soon it is 24-0 with Mikkelson against causing a nuisance. Hat-trick time for him and they get some pearls of wisdom from coach Tietjens at the interval.

Superb off loading and Lawrence is away, dummy-scissoring and in for his 99th IRB try. Tokula beats Roberto Mariani on the outside and Kiwis flex their muscles to a 38-0 advantage. Some of the Kiwi bench getting a good run here. Lawrence has been carving up the Italian all game and Barrett is on his shoulder. 45-0. Another bit of Zar Lawrence magic; dummying and handing off Castagnoli for his 100th IRB try. Well done mate. A true IRB Sevens servant.

Result: New Zealand 52 Italy 0

14:15

NZ captain DJ Forbes on his sides rivalry with Samoa.

"They are the competition leaders and they have been beating us all year so the pressure will be on them. I would like to say we haven't given it our best shot, we haven't played perfect rugby against them and the boys are waiting for that time when we do play the perfect game."

Before that though they must face Italy.

14:11

Match 10 – Pool A: Argentina v Kenya

Argentines in front with Joaquin Tuculet getting in early for a 5-0 er. But they lose a man to the sin bin and Kenya, although making hard work of it, get a score via captain Humphrey ‘Tall’ Kayange. But that is so typical of the Kenyans this season who fall off a tackle letting Nunez Lasalle in. Argentina lead 12-7.

Kenya pressure but they are just not turning this possession into points and the Pumas make them pay. Tuculet is a real footballer and he collects his own neat chip to make it a 19-7 game. What do you have Kenya? Nunez Lasalle now breaks in midfield and three Kenyan tackles slide off him as if he’s lathered in soap. 26-7 to the Pumas and the game most likely. Biko Adema gets one back for Kenya after good work for Kayange. 26-14 though.

Result: Argentina 26 Kenya 14

13:58

Felt sorry Kenya’s fans in London who packed out Twickers who ultimately saw their side under-perform. Not many of the Shuuja fans have made their way to Edinburgh. They really do have the most passionate fans. They face Argentina now who stuffed up earlier against France, with the Kenya also losing to Samoa. Must win game for both of these two.

13:51

Match 9 – Pool A: Samoa v France

Canveit is in early for France for a try but then standard service is restored. Mai goes in early for the Samoans and then it is the increasingly impressive Aiona cutting a Levasa pass for another. 12-7. Lui is looking threatening all the time and his slashing break is now finished off by Fa’osiliva. 19-7. But slack Samoa let Canviert in for another. Samoa lead 19-14 at drinks.

France start the better in this half with new guy Albert Valentin winning the race to the line. 19-14. More like it from Samoa with good feet from Tupou giving room for that work horse Fa’osiliva. Samoa back in front 26-19. Again Samoa keeps the ball alive brilliantly and Treviranus of all people has some room on the wing for the try. . 31-19. Fa’osiliva again makes a stamina sapping break and from the resulting breakdown Iosua is in. 38-19. Samoa won’t be happy about this tackling and France pull one back through Jaouher’s fancy feet.

Result: Samoa 38 France 26

13:34

On paper it would seem the Samoans deserve this World Series title. Over the last 30 games they have played 30, drawn one and lost just the four. Before they lost to Argentina last week they had been unbeaten in 20 matches. France the next test for Betham’s Boys. Spotted the Samoans around the team hotels over this year keeping their social networking ‘old skool’. They all seem to operate on ‘Bebo’. Remember that?!

13:13

Nicky, Scottish fan:
Go Scotland, at last a good win! I’m tuning in from New York as got family heading to Murrayfield today. Found UR7s on the net, keep me updated!!

13:10

With this being the last leg of the year, throughout the weekend I will be looking back at important moments of the year.

09/10 World Series Key Moments : Kiwis start off with a bang

After a winless 08/09 eight time IRB Series winners New Zealand got back to winning ways winning the first legs of the season in Dubai and George back in December. Familiar names like Cama, Forbes, and Lawrence were back to form combined with flyers Sherwin Stowers and Kurt Baker who posed big threats. The Men in Back’s celebratory Haka was back!

13:05

Some utterly atrocious entertainment on the pitch now, but it does involve some Miss Scotland finalists running around the pitch in a rather dainty manner, so not all that bad. Fancy dress sightings include Packs of Cows,Pigs, Smurfs, and Scottish Braveheart type characters.

13:01

What a shock? Sure home advantage helps as does guys like Hogg, Grant, and Laidlaw coming in to the sqaud. But why do they wait till seven tournaments into the season to play with that urgency? Really important for the tournment that hosts go well I reckon.

12:58

Match 8 – Pool D: Fiji v Scotland.

Scotland dominating this one! Turnbull makes the initial break with the likes of Roddy Grant involved also but its Houston who scores and the hosts are up. 0-7. Scotland capture it again from the re-start and Shaw burns Tinai to double their advantage. 0-14. But a mistake from Scotland gifts the Fijians the ball and Kamea is away. 7-14. Scots really raised their game to another level here from their previous 7 tournaments and Grant extends this burrowing over. 7-19 at the half.

Fiji look like getting back into this but Greg Laidlaw disrupts and Votu uncharacteristically spills it. Ball is hoofed through for Fiji and Katonibau is on hand to pick up and Fiji are right in the mix. 14-19 to Scotland still. The energized Turnbull again jinking his way through and Robertson steps in past his man and Scotland lead 14-26. Laidlaw and Cairns bossing this and Turnbull just rips it around Votu! Scotland on fire. Fiji 14 Scotland 31. Great D at the end for Scotland!!

Result: Fiji 14 Scotland 31

12:40

Starting to drizzle at Murrayfield now but hey ho the Scots are on!

Where the likes of Wales and USA are going in the right direction, Scotland have been slipping down the rankings. The Edinburgh hosts are without a Cup quarter-final this year and are fighting to prove to Scotland’s Commonwealth Games officials that they should head to Delhi in 2010. Tough ask for them in their opener now against Fiji, the defending champs here in Edinburgh. With Premiership stars Rabeni and Satala pulled from the squad at the twelfth hour last weekend they only had 10 in their squad.

12:34

Match 7 – Pool D: USA v Wales

USA have really impressed with their off-loading game this year and that continues here. Test makes yards and is turning and popping to Bokhoven. Wales just can’t get into this and USA just controlling the ball well. Bokhoven has room again and he shifts well for a big guy! Alex Cuthbert, who was an injury doubt, looks fine to me and he smokes a USA hole to pull one back for Wales. USA 10 Scotland 7 at the interval.

Wow a shocker of a re-start from USA’s Suniula that almost went backwards, Wales gets the ball as a result. US’s tackling is good but Wales keep knocking on the door and make it over courtesy of the stocky Ifan Evans. 10-12 to Wales. Ouch late hit from Swiryn but Wales Lee Rees plays on and Rhys Jones seals this for the Welsh. 10-19. Cuthbert denied late on but it doesn’t matter. Wales open with a W.

Result: USA 10 Wales 19

12:16

Pool D is another extremely competitive group. First up is USA/Wales. Bit of revenge for Paul John’s team who were gutted they lost out 12-10 to the Americans in the Adelaide quarter-final back in March. Alex Cuthbert is a key man for the Welsh but and they would have been happy to make the last-eight last week. US still enjoying a really solid season but it might Edinburgh marks a swansong for Kevin Swiryn and Paul Emerick with 15s beckoning.

12:15

Match 6 – Pool C: England v Portugal

Mat Turner, operating in the centres, just increases the tempo catching Gardener sleeping and going in early. 7-0. Break from Portugal but Odouza busts a gut to track back, makes the tackle and turns it over. Nice. England blowing hard here and they have numbers out wide and Foro is breaking, can Turner get him? No. England 7 Portugal 5.

Gollings just as that special sevens vision which not many people on the planet have. He spots a mismatch threats a kick through and Royle pushes England out. 12-5. Nice from Royle, who flips one out the back of his hand to a looping Lindsay-Hague and England stretch out to 17-5. The slight Micky Young is ducking and diving challenge giving England territory and England just want to get this over with.

Result: Australia 17 Canada 5

11:51

Match 5 – Pool C: Australia v Canada

Tight start to this one and there is some good hits early on with a bit of handbags thrown in for good measure. Canada makes some yards but Australia’s defence is holding nicely. Karauria-Henry and Yakapo trying to make things happen but Canada to their credit shut them out. Aussies threaten as the hooter goes but Menah-Coker disrupts. 0-0 at drinks – thriller. Aussies still recovering from Twickers celebrations? I’m so cold out here.

Better from Australia who win a penalty and Vanderglas cuts in to open the scoring. Has that broken the Canadians resistance? Possibly has the ball is turned over and Karauria-Henry’s little shimmy buys him a try. 14-0 to Australia. Scrappy game this with no team really getting going. Stannard breaks late but, but no he’s pulled bag, An instantly forgettable 14 minutes of my life.

Result: Australia 14 Canada 0

11:36

Australia were magnificent last weekend and fully deserved their first Cup win since 2002. Captained by James Stannard who is a great organiser and orchestrator for the side. The Aussies interestingly are the second most inexperienced here in Edinburgh with an average age of 21 – although Stannard is 27. Henry Vanderglas was the outstanding forward last weekend. They meet Canada now who welcome back Dave Moonlight into their squad. Will be keeping an eye on the Cannucks new flyer Sean Duke too.

11:32

Crowd still slow to come through turnstiles here, cold weather not helping. The in-house Murrayfield DJ here hasn't seem to have updated his playlist since 2007, but quite enjoying some of the slightly old school tunes he is throwing out.

11:30

Match 4 – Pool B: South Africa v Italy.

Neil Powell, the silver fox with a few grey hairs on that lid of his, does well popping to Benjamin who get the Boks going. Italian break though but make a pigs ear an overlap. But wait good power from Emanuele Leonardi gets the Italians over. 7-5. SA playing their phases using the pattern coach Paul Treu has built, and Cecil Afrika runs a cut and is in. 14-5 and drinks.

Cecil Afrika has probably been Treu’s top man this year and has developed nicely. He scores again, his 26th of the season. 19-5. SA to powerful here with Dry blazing over. 28-5 to Blitzboks. Fabba Juries is in and he just has that injection from first receiver that gives this team an edge, great score from the legend. 35-5. They are all queuing up here now and Benjamin bags his brace, an 80th IRB try. Boks bossing the re-start and Benjamin dummies and leaves the Italian sweeper at a standstill. 49-5.

Result: South Africa 49 Italy 5

11:12

Reigning IRB champs South Africa will officially abdicate their crown tomorrow. But there were glimpses of a return to form for them last weekend as they made the final. Been a real struggle for coach Paul Treu with injuries blighting them all year. The return of legend Fabian ‘Fabba’ Juries was extremely welcome as is the form of Cecil Afrika and Ryno Benjamin (28 tries). They meet the Italians now.

11:07

Match 3 – Pool B: New Zealand v Russia

Early peno to NZ and they take advantage with the hugely versatile Lote Raikabula scoring. Stowers breezes in moments later and then it is Forbes breaking and finding Mikkelson. 0-19. Toby Arnold, starting ahead of Cama, casually goes under the H. 24-0 to NZ. Stowers not much room but dabs it forward, picks up and we have a 29-0 ball game at drinks.

NZ in total control. Strong work from Mikkelson and Souness at the breakdown gives Forbes the platform to go in. 36-0. Russians are very fit guys but they are blowing hard here as the Kiwis keep the ball alive like their life defends on it and the veteran Solomon King is dummying and scoring. 43-0. Tries from Beauden Barrett (his first on the IRB?) and Ben Souness give NZ their half-ton.

Result: New Zealand 55 Russia 0

10:59

About a two minute dealy here as the ref isn't out, but the teams are?! Leighton Hodges, where are you?! There he is...he jogs on and to cheers with some bacon and egg bap crumbs still on his shirt. Lad.

10:49

First look at Samoa’s main challengers – New Zealand. Gordon Tietjens’ men tackle Russia first up. Was reminded the other day that the Kiwis have never failed to make the Cup Quarter-Finals in the 10 year IRB Sevens history. An astonishing record and highlights their dominance in these early stages of these affairs. The Kiwis last played Russia here two years ago, winning comfortably 45-0. Russians missing key man Vasily Artemiev and it showed last week.

10:47

Sorry New Zealand gamblers...I well and truely stitched you up there!

10:46

Match 2 – Pool A: Argentina v France

What do I know?! Delmas makes a lovely outside break and links up with Bastien Sohet and have the Frenchies have the opening score! 0-7. Les Bleus playing with a nice urgency here and that desperate scrambled Argentina defence is being stretched. Argies can’t get their hands on the pill here with both teams slipping on the dewy early morning turf. Take a breather.

Pumas finally get into the oppositions 22 and it’s that danger man Bruzzone breaking but the French disrupt. Back come Argentina and they are having to work really hard to make significant progress up the Murrayfield pitch... but win a penalty. Gritty stuff. Brilliant work from the big man Vaquin and France steal. A chip over and Besson, who has excelled here, picks up and is in. 0-14 France. Arg pull one back with Cueno turning his man inside out but that’s all over.

Result: Argentina 5 France 14

10:28

Big statement from Samoa that considering NZ could only draw 19-19 with Kenya last week.

Argentina/France. Argentina’s Pumas did what they do best last weekend at Twickenham. They hassled and were terrier-like in defence with the likes of Bruzzone sniping and darting when they had ball. Managed to do what New Zealand have failed to do since the Dubai final, and beat Samoa at Twix. They meet the Islanders again later today. Should breeze the Les Bleus here.

I did some radio for New Zealand last night and backed the punters to back Argentina as darkhorses for this title! Don't let mke down fellas.

10:27

Match 1 – Pool A: Samoa v Kenya

Captain Kayange makes yards for Kenya and they shift it quickly right, and it is Leon Adongo opening the scoring. 0-5 to Kenya. Lolo Lui breaks and makes yards with Fa’osiliva on his shoulder, the Samoans take a 5-7 lead. Samoa going route numero uno and they fatigue the Kenyans. Pesamino is supporting and thats his 51st try this term. 14-5. Really poor defence from Kenya as Samoa smash it up with ‘pick and goes’ and Fa’osiliva powers over. Half-time...get those Kenyans a Hot Chocolate!

Samoa’s tactic is clear, use the narrow blindsides and it works again with Pesamino breaking and firing a pinpoint one to Levasa. 28-5 to Samoa. Pesamino is again put in space and he just on another level to the Africans cruising in and its now 35-5. Masterclass. Ball spun wide right with Otto injecting some oomph and finding Mai 42-5. Samoa looking ominously good.

Result: Samoa 42 Kenya 5

10:04

So the perhaps soon-to-be World Series champions kick off proceedings here at Muzzafield. Samoa v Kenya. Tough ask for both teams to meet each other so early and shame this one has been scheduled for the opening game, with the stadium still filling slowly. Samoa has the better record between the pair (17 wins out of 20) but as we well know these Kenyan boys can beat anyone. That said the Africans have been struggling for the second half of this year, and could only muster a Shield last week.

10:04

With one man and a dog in the stadium, let's play.

10:03

I want to hear your emails guys. We got some good reaction in London, let's keep it going. I need to be amused!

Email views and comments to: livetext@ur7s.com

10:02

Weather Updates : So if you have been following me go around the world on this circuit you would know I have been blessed with some sensational weather. It has led me to break media protocol at stadiums and turn up like I’m on a Club 18-30 beach getaway. Not the case today. It’s cold and greyish. I’ll be putting the Eurotrash sun shades away for now. This could be a long 10 hours in these conditions. Will the players adapt to the cold conditions?

09:58

Right for those of new to this, here is a qick debrief on what the IRB Sevens is all about:

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.

Cool? Admin over let's get on with this.

09:55

Today sees the Pool play, followed by tomorrow's finals.Although Samoa and New Zealand are vying for the overall Series crown, we have Edinburgh title to decide also. Australia took their first Cup win in eight years in last week's London Sevens at Twickenham with the likes of South Africa and Argentina also in decent nick.

Pool A: Samoa, Argentina, Kenya, France
Pool B: New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Russia
Pool C: Australia, England, Canada, Portugal
Pool D: USA, Fiji, Wales, Scotland

09:51

Oh hello there! How are we sevens fans? We are at the climax of the IRB Sevens World Series for 09/10. Just this weekend’s Edinburgh Sevens remain with Samoa and New Zealand slugging it out for the overall honours. This is it folks. Two days of action remain and we will know who is the overall champion side. Bring. It. On.