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more »Final Day - As it Happened
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 - Sat 7 March 2009
21:30
Thats all from me. I feel very fortunate to have been seated here reporting for you over the last three days, thanks for following. And maybe see you in Hong Kong in three weeks ;)
UR7s congrats Wales and Australia...'For Everything 7s'...now where's my beer?!
21:26
Fireworks are going off and the Welsh Men and Aussie Women are doing the formalities for the scrum of photographers...What a three days of rugby - upsets, thrills, and spills. Get this sport into the Olympics!!!
21:21
As you might imagine the Welsh have gone nuts and there is a huge scrum of man hugs and piggy bags…Incredible scenes. The red dragon has never really roared in Sevens before but they have written themselves into rugby folklore.
Just to my right it’s Princess Haya bint Al Hussain, wife of his Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vic President UAE and Ruler of Dubai (that’s their official title), waiting on standby to award them with the Melrose Cup!
21:14
Melrose Cup Final: Wales v Argentina
Nervy start as expected but Wales get off to a perfecy start with Richie Pugh showing a turn of foot and upper body strength to go over 5-0. Back comes the champions from San Diego and Rodriguez profits from a turnover with Aled Brew left floundering. Conversion is good. 7-5 to the Pumas. Uncharacteristic knock-on from the wily Santiago Gomez–Cora and it gifts ball to Tal Selley who's too sharp. End of a pulsating half.
Paul John and Duncan Forrester do their best to rouse their troops for one last effort…the reward of being known as World Champs for four years.
Second period starts with a needless game of kicking ping pong. How often has that happened this weekend, a diagonal boot from Rodriguez is smothered by Camacho to level things in Dubai. 12 apiece. Scrum time, and Aled Thomas goes on a sneaky blind run but bursts clear and he’s in + conversion and it’s 19-12 with 90 secs to go. It’s over! Wales have done it – they are World Rugby Sevens Champions!
Result: Wales 19 Argentina 12
20:48
After three days of thrilling rugby it’s left to Argentina and Wales to secure the Melrose Cup. I tell you no-one would have predicted this final, but it’s impossible to begrudge these two, they have simply played the best sevens. Fact.
Anthems are being played in full force. Without being disrespectful the Argentine one does go on a bit?! Reporter on my left from Buenos Aires is enjoying though. Now the Welsh, that’s a proper anthem – hair-standing-up on back stuff. It may not be the Millennium Stadium but no-one gives a damn – Absolutely no danger of me calling this one, let’s go.
20:31
Women’s Cup Final: Australia v New Zealand
Referee Lee Wing Yi Gabriel blows and Nicole Beck, who so often in the last year has got these girls out of sticky situations, is released beautifully by Alex Hargreaves. 5 to zip. You can really tell that these Aussie girls play a lot of touch, wonderful continuity and awareness as Beck doubles up her country’s lead. Justine Lavea with a lifeline for the Kiwis just before drinks.
“We Will We Will Rock You”. Freddie Mercury pipes up briefly.
Aussies were sleeping from the re-start as quick hands sees Hohepa cut loose. Even ball game now. Great little run from Tricia Brown chipping over Winiata but failing to apply downward pressure. Phenomenal gut-wrenching tackles from both side but no-one’s letting up. 10-10.
Extra Time: Couple of phases are built up and the ball is recycled wide right, Tavo twists and turns and pops short left to a wriggling Shelly Matcham whose over. Inaugural Women's Word Cup to Australia....Cue Waltzing Matilda and some wild celebrations!! Little Beauty!
20:07
Right, Women's Final time: This could be another beaut between Trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand. National Anthems are out (both horribly whiny tracks if you ask me) out the way, we're on...
20:00
500 Miles reverberates around 'The Sevens'....
Then it's a bit of a cheerleader and crowd boogie in the intermittant period before the Women's final
'HEY HEEY BABY WHOO AGHHH...I WANNA KNOOOW IF YOU'LL BE MY GIRL 5,6,7,8'. Spot the loony reporter - the others journalists declined to join in. Perhaps I should take a greater degree of care?
19:52
Men’s Plate Final: Australia v Scotland
Scotland’s 15s team could do no worse to look at some of these boys, they again show guile and decent wheels to put Turnbull in early. Cancelled out moments later when Ed Jenkins latches on to his brother Jono’s pass. 7-7. Back comes Turnbull and Scotland - chasing onto Gregor’s dainty chip. Conversion is gooood. 14-7 to the Tartan Army.
Roddy Grant always seems to get on the score-sheet, the Scots ability to keep the pill alive is priceless in Sevens. 21-7 Scotland. Jenkins (Jono) hits back immediately courtesy of some rather tired, hopeful slappy happy Scottish tackling. Turnbull turns from hero to zero with a horrible miss gifting Murphy to give the Aussies hope. But that’s all it is – Plate for Scotland and Auntie Sue in Dundee.
Result: Scotland 21 Australia 17
19:40
Random Sevens Fact: No team has ever held both the sevens and fifteens World Cup at the same time.
Right who wants a Plate? I’m sure Auntie Sue would love it for her mantelpiece?
19:30
Women's Update:
Women’s Bowl Final: Brazil 7 China 10
Women’s Plate Final: England 12 Canada 0
Some solace for England who must have been absolutely gutted to go out at the Quarter Final stage. Great result for China who weren't fancied to take that one...
New Zealand v Australia Cup Final coming up at 8 our time...
19:21
Bowl final: Zimbabwe v Ireland
Back to the action on the pitch and it was Cleopas Makotose and Gerald Sibanda scoring early to give the Africans some breathing room – are they going to be the only African side in the competition to take home some silverware?
Ireland's Kyle Tonetti and Kieron Cambpell hit back for the Irish in the second half to reduce the deficit to lead 14-12. But, hang on, Jacques Leitao dashes Ireland's hopes with a last minute boast and The Cheetahs have done it. The glory of the Bowl is theirs. Brave few days from Ireland who have shown they can actually bring a lot to the sevens table. Think everyone would like to see more of them in the IRB Series…
Result: Zimbabwe 17 Ireland 14
19:12
Just went to peruse the cheerleaders outside who have maintained their form throughout the three days, showing an abundance of consistency, flair...legs 11 and Ferrari chassis to boot.
Also paid a visit to the boys in the Emirates Stand. They have befriended a welsh chap called Dafydd. Dafydd likes his food and is currently operating with his top off, swirling his man boobs from left to right. He’s also spraying golden body paint around on unsuspecting folk. He got me the 'little' rouge - I'll let him off as his Welsh boys have been the success story of this World Cup...do they have enough in the tank for the finale?
18:08
Great to see some of the stars form the other teams who have been knocked out having a few drinks, signing autographs, and mixing with the 30,000 fans here...My boss has just gone off to meet the great Jonah Lomu.This is the life!
18:00
So it's a Wales v Argentina Cup Final. Unbelievable. Who'd have thought it hey? Argentina are looking utterly composed at the moment and can't help thinking the Welsh,despite all the fantastically enterprising sevens they have been playing in the last 5 hours, might struggle to break them down.
17:56
Men’s Cup Semi Final: Argentina v Wales
Kenya are pumped for this and Injera, eyes bulging in excitement about the thought of a World Cup Final, puts in a massive hit. But Pumas are pressing and the stocky Camacho is hard to put down and flips a hopeful wonderfully read from San Martin 7-0. Its tighter then me down my local Pub.
Kenya are looking for gaps but the Pumas are establishing themselves has having the most stingy defense out of any sevens team in the world. Camacho’s chip is met by San Martin who touches down and that could be it. Pumas are so nuggety and are winding the clock down clinically and it’s enough…the Kenyan dream is over.
Result: Argentina 12 Kenya 0
17:46
Cup Semi Final 2: Argentina fans now piping up, and why not? They are within a whisker of the final…Kenyan’s contingent understandably nervous are slowly stirring and simmering. Fair to say the neutrals in the crowd are going African and not South American. Who will meet Wales for a date with destiny…?
17:33
Men’s Cup Semi Final: Wales v Samoa
Wales are playing some delightful sevens here. First Aled Brew smashes through a gap for 7 points and then it’s that little magician Lee Williams a cross between Gareth Edwards/Shane Williams who puts the reliable-as-always Tal Selly in. 12-0 in the blink of a red dragon. Samoa haven’t touched it have they? They have now…First a savage Mikaele hand off and then an impishly cheeky Maie kicking it 50 yards cross–field for Faosiliva. 12-5 Wales @ drinks…
This is like watching classic old school Fiji, with flicks, angles, and amazing hands from Wales. A Hill burst is supported by Isaacs (QF hero v NZ) whose head down in for the score. Last roll of the Samoan dice and Saelsa gives them hope with a score but then it’s Faosiliva chipping and surely he’s over, but no…Williams once again is the saviour getting back just in time to avert the danger – And the ref blows and Wales are in the World Cup Final…!
Result: Wales 19 Samoa 12
17:22
Right guys…enough of the silly stuff, it’s Le Crunch time in the Men's Cup Semis. What were the odds on either Wales or Samoa getting to the final…One of them is going to be there and I’m refusing to make a prediction…ok head says Samoa, heart is bleeding for Wales.
17:08
Aussies upset the English in the Quarter Finals and have so much flair and creativity in their side due to the majority of the squad coming from the National Touch Team...can the Boks stop them?
Random Sevens Fact: Did you know there are over 120 Rugby 7s tournaments every year in the USA? Lone Star Classic in Texas is my personal favourite – Yeeeha.
Big YMCA effort form the crowd - funny watching osome of the grannys and grandpas in the crowd attempting the YMCA dance but ultimately getting the letters muddled...
17:04
Women’s Cup Semi final: United States v New Zealand
New Zealand go ahead early courtesy of Huriana Manuel's converted try. The United States remain in touch though thanks to Amy Daniels' 60m grueling dash just before the half time whistle. Can the US do it? YES THEY CAN!
New Zealand captain Hannah Porter's excellent try just after half time confirms the Kiwis' place in the Cup final. Darryl Suasua and her team are elated understandably with Eagles skipper Christy Ringgenberg's consolation proving too little too late. Kiwis proved to powerful and elusive…who will they meet in the final?
Result: USA 12 New Zealand 14
17:04
Right some Ladies action now on P1 - about time to these girls deserve their chance on the big stage. USA take on NZ - who must be thinking this is in the in the bag, or is that just Heymann trying to stoke up an American upset.
16:47
Stumpy Update: Poor boy has been stitched - struggling/sweating in the 32 degrees with his Lederhosen, he soon realised that in fact none of the guys came in fancy dress today and 'Lederhosen Day' was in fact all a bit shame. What larks hey. Still he's happy though and on the Apple Juice (Strongbow).He was last seen dancing with the Kenyan and Fijian fans...bless his little cotton socks.
16:41
Plate Semi Final 2: Scotland v Portugal
After a thrilling win over France in their Plate quarter final, the Scots have found form. Well taken tries from Colin Gregor and Andrew Turnbull mean Scotland are dominating against Portugal.
A tired second half from both teams, the heat has taken its toll on both sets of players. But the Scottish are safely through to face Australia in the final. Mike Adamson and the influential Andrew Turnbull with the tries in the second half, Pedro Leal scored a consolation try for the Portuguese.
Result:Scotland 29 Portugal 7
16:35
Plate Semi Final 1 Australia v Tonga:
An attritional battle in the first Plate semi final, The Jenkins brothers put the Australians ahead at half time but back come those Tongans who have the lead until the very last play… a turnover and the joint leading try-scorer in the IRB Sevens World Series, Luke Morahan runs in for an inspired Australian victory. How drained will the boys from OZ be after that though?
Result:Australia 22 Tonga 19
16:29
Bowl Semi Final 2: Hong Kong v Ireland
The second bowl Semi final is going to be another one to go to the wire. HK’s Thomas McQueen with two exceptional finishes is the difference. If Hong Kong can cling on to this they will play Zimbabwe, Jon Skurr's Ireland will be hoping to get an early score to put the pressure on.
Brian Carney makes the difference though in the second half scoring two tries to make it a comfortable victory. Hong Kong were brave but couldn’t handle the pace and power of the Irish. Zimbabwe v Ireland for the Bowl…
Result:Hong Kong 17 Ireland 22
16:28
Bowl Semi Final 1 : Zimbabwe v Uruguay
Zimbabwe have dominated the opening half, the ever lively Wensley Mbanje standing out again for them. Uruguay have a battle on their hands if they want to bag their second ever RWC Sevens win. Tangai Nemadire with two well taken second half tries take that secures their passage to the Bowl Final.
Result:Zimbabwe 24 Uruguay 7
15:19
That has quite frankly been the most insane, sensational, unbelievable hour of sevens I have ever seen…the IOC would be mad not put this into The Olympics!! The Kenyan fans have gone bonkers and are now doing a victory lap round the ground with ‘The Sevens’ rising to them. Top four seeds are all gone…
Taking a 'Time-Out'. See what Stumpy et al are up to.
15:18
Kenya v Fiji
It’s another close one with Fiji making uncharacteristic mistakes and finding no rhythm…Kenya have controlled the ball well and Lavin Asego keeps his composure too. and the reigning World Champs are down by 7 at the break. Fourth upset in a row coming up?!!
Biko Adams finishes off a breakout and then it’s Kayange giving some daylight to the Africans and enjoys a cheeky celebratory jig with Injera. This inspires the latter, who is on hand, to pick some loose ball and send the Kenyans through to meet Argentina in the Cup Semi. Coach Benjamin Ayimba predicted six months ago that Kenya would win this Sevens World Cup…..he might well be right.
Result:Kenya 26 Fiji 7
15:18
Women's Update:
Women’s Bowl Quarter Final: China 21 Japan 5
Women’s Bowl Quarter Final: Italy 17 Thailand 0
Women’s Bowl Quarter Final: Brazil 12 Uganda 7
Women’s Bowl Quarter Final: Russia 12 Netherlands 5
Women’s Cup/Plate Quarter Final: France 0 USA 19
Women’s Cup/Plate Quarter Final: New Zealand 31 Canada 12
Women’s Cup/Plate Quarter Final: Spain 7 South Africa 15
Women’s Cup/Plate Quarter Final: England 10 Australia 17
Big news here is that the number 1 ranked team England are out! Not a good hour for them after the men's team loss. New Zealand have got one hand on the trophy...but I'm vowing to stop making predictions after what I've just seen.
14:54
Kenya/Fiji have a lot to live up to here!
Kenya tackle the Cup Holders – Kenya’s media man Toby informs me these two met in a warm-up game on Tuesday – psychological boost perhaps but Fiji’s rejuvenated squad were really effective yesterday with Nalaga and Nanuku so impactful. If Kenya win there will be a new name on the Melrose Cup..
14:42
South Africa v Argentina
Pumas can’t get into the game at the moment and Mbiyozois is in early thanks to Snyman. This Bok’s wall is just so tough to knock down and the South Africans are playing the South Americans at their own game here, waiting patiently, sucking the life out of the opposition and then pouncing. 5-0 at the half.
Benjamin scores early after a Horne pop-up from the ground but the Pumas are back, as first Rodriguez goes in then Moyano rounds his man after a SA penalty and scampers under the post to give Argentina the lead, 12-10!! Going to the wire…again! Pumas through!!
Result:South Africa 10 Argentina 12
14:31
This is so wide open now…. With England and New Zealand packing their bags…Argentina and South Africa will be licking their lips now but only one can go through here, who will it be – struggling to keep up... this is sevens at it’s best!!
14:26
Samoa V England
Lui goes in early but then Mr.Varndell: He stops, hitch-kicks, goes again and puts in a big hand-off to level things up here. Numbers 7/11 combine for Samoa as they storm back with Tupou try. Going all wrong for Ben Ryan’s boys as Mai gets a lovely pass from Treviranus to send the Islanders 21-7 up.
England look irritated and flustered, but Varndell gets the space he has been craving. Controversy as Phillips is denied a try for an alleged knock-on, but it’s OK as he has an easy run in form a scrum. Conversion is good, England are two points behind now. My god this insane – Samoa inch further ahead thanks to Alafoti Faosiliva
But wait. The hooter goes but there a time for a line-out and replacement Drauniniu is is the hero with a great step. Gollings converts and we’re into extra time 26-26.
Extra Time: Golden Try now – first to score goes through…and it’s Samoa who do it, Mikaele the hero to send Coach Moors into ecstasy! What a couple of games we have had!
Result:England 26 Samoa 31
13:57
‘MY, MY, MY, Delilah!!!’
Meeting the Welsh will be either England/Samoa. These two have met three times in RWC history with Samoa leading the head to heads 2-1. They often prove a bogey team for the English but can Mai, Teviranuns and the rest of their mates stop the fastest man in Sevens – Tom Varndell?!
13:54
New Zealand v Wales
Little Lee Williams, a key orchestrater for the Welsh offence this times goes along rounding Forbes impressively for a fantastic individual equaliser. Conversion missed = 7-5 to the Kiwis. Williams again the protagonist enticing defenders before releasing Richie Pugh. 10-5 to the Welsh at the half… Upset time?!
Coach Tietjens is a wily old cat though and his boys are back in front when the slippery Waqaseduadua beats 2 and pops to Raikabula. Bit of kick tennis from both teams, this is on a knife edge. SHOCKER from Waqaseduadua spilling the ball on an unopposed jaunt to the line and Tom Isaacs makes him pay hacking on, conversion missed it’s Wales 15-New Zealand 14! Amazing scenes as New Zealand’s dream is over…
Result:New Zealand 14 Wales 15
13:37
Stumpy Update: After a nervous wait I can now confirm that the big guy’s fancy dress is operating in German/Austrian Lederhosen!
Right turn of the ‘big guns’ now. Can the Welsh repeat their triumph over New Zealand that hey encountered in Wellington a few weeks back? I’m not so sure, the Kiwis had two men binned in that one, and on paper are far too good. But form guides are often torn up in this sport, and the Kiwis have to do without Super 14 star Victor Vito through a calf injury. I’m babbling. Lets go!
13:36
Canada v Portugal
A cagey start from both sides in the last of the Plate quarter finals. The long-striding leaping Justin Mensah-Coker splits the Portugal defence for the only points of the half.
5-0 Canada and it’s time for a breather.
The Portuguese are pressing hard here but the Canadians are committed and aggressive. Although it’s Foro who has foray blind and feeds the Portuguese star-man Pedro Leal, 5-5. And Portugal do it in the last seconds, that man again Leal fixing his man and a jinking David Mateus secures an epic 12-5 win!
Result:Portugal 12 Canada 5
13:08
Random Sevens Fact: 50% of tries in Sevens are from Penalties.
Who fancies meeting the Scots in the Plate Semi? Portugal/Canada to the stage is yours. 'Statto Sean' informs that Portugal average the 'Passes per Games' with 147...Canada are third with 128. Both teams that favour patient build up rather then contact.
13:07
France v Scotland
Malzieu is class and he goes blind and scampers in from the halfway line, but big Roland Reid gets on the end of workmanlike Scottish build-up and moments later after a superb turnover on their own line the Scots breaks out and Forrest receives a dodgy forward looking pass, dummys, and goes in. Scotland 14- France 5 @ the break.
Back come Les Bleus and Farid Sid going straight over Gregor. But that’s lovely Fiji-esque Sevens from Scotland keeping the ball alive with intensity and Roddy Grant shuffles over. 21-12 to Scot. Evidence of what I mentioned earlier about the tactical use of the boot – clever cross field nudge from Patey finds Comezou and the French are down by three with seconds remaining…it’s not enough though.
Result:Scotland 21 France 19
12:46
France v Scotland. Gallic glair v Celtic grit. Both have impressed in patches in the last few days and the Scots were pretty unlucky to lose out in the dying seconds against the Boks yesterday. Can they handle the French star men of Rida Jaouher and Julien Malzieu.
Stumpy update coming up…
12:45
Australia v USA
Oz bag themselves an early brace courtesy of former Sydney Rooster Shaun Foley and the undoubted rising star of this team the young try-machine Luke Morahan. Veteran Damon Murphy then picks up some scrappy ball and bulldozes over and it’s not good new for USA. 17-0 to the boys from Oz.
Better form the States as Naqica goes blind, sells a cheap $1 dummy to give them a sniff. Morahan grubbers through and collects to cancel out that Naqica effort, 24-7 to Oz. Surely curtains for the US of A? A Paul Emerick’s consolation is all they get… just hasn’t clicked for them over the three days and that’s a rap.
Result:USA 12 Australia 24
12:27
USA had high hopes going into this tournament but have ultimately under-performed – anything but a Plate Victory will do for Al Caravelli but have a tough assignment here against Australia, themselves pretty inconsistent….
Brief insight about my journeys home From ‘The Sevens’, complex here on both days so far. End of day 1 involved getting lost in a minibus full of wretched American 16 year olds. Half-hour trip took 2 hours. Last night was much more enjoyable in the back-row with some inebriated Kiwis and Welsh singing a medley of Oasis/Danny Boy/California Dreaming etc – Lovely stuff.
11:58
The use of the boot in sevens has been obvious over the last few days, more tactical kicking, chips ahead, old fashioned fly-hacks, and even kicking to own team-mates down the line has become a bit of a feature in Dubai…
Tonga/Tunisia up for the first of the Plate Quarters…Tunisians almost caused a gigantic upset yesterday narrowly losing out to the might English by two points, 24-26 – impressed me with their guile and gas.
Tonga v Tunisia
Tunisia matching Tonga hit for hit in an enterprising opening but they lose concentration with Taufa and Maluop crossing before they giftwrap with a bow and card a try another Tongan touchdown. Kailea follows that up and we are looking at a Tongan rout here.
Half-time Tunisian rollicking has been heeded to with Chelly opening his World-Cup try account bursting in on the far left. Tonga meeting winner of USA/Australia. A second half littered with mistakes comes to a close…time for a Tunisian ‘goodbye’ lap round the ground I’m afraid.
Result:Tonga 24 Tunisia 5
11:58
Hong Kong v Italy
HK without a win thus far – are they saving themselves for the Hong Kong Sevens later this month? Lovely from McQueen (unfortunate surname?) though giving them a 7 zip start. Again as the other game so far, this maybe a bowl but for these guys it’s pride for their country at stake with some lung-bursting defence.
Bortolussi showing some NBA skills their to reduce the deficit but it’s the 21 year old youngster Robertson who again gives HK a seven point buffer grabbing some loose ball to go the distance. 14-7 to HK. They meet Ireland later…
Result: Ireland 14 Arabian Gulf 7
11:36
Random Sevens Fact: Fiji’s Marika Vunibaka is the all-time leading Rugby World Cup Sevens try scorer, going over 23 times.
All the men’s action will take place right in front of me here on Pitch 1 (P1) and that will be the focus of our attention. Will give updates on the Women’s progress on Pitch 2 (P2) and will match commentary for their Cups semis and final that are on P1. Comprende? Hong Kong/Italy do battle next with the winner meeting the Irish in the Bowl Semi.
11:35
Ireland v Arabian Gulf
The hosts and world debutants would dearly love to get a win for their fans, but they are down here early doors due to the languid and leggy Felix Jones gut busting touch line burst, following some patient build up. 7-0 Ireland at the half.
Kyle Tonetti gives Ireland some breathing room romping in after completing doing Jonny Macdonald over. Marcus ‘Smithy’ Smith reduces the deficit courtesy of a turnover form ‘The Gulf’ but it doesn’t last long and yesterday’s hero Gary Brown has an easy run in, with Tonetti completing the win. Ireland possessing too much pace and power in the end.
Result: Ireland 19 Arabian Gulf 5
11:15
Ireland/Arabian Gulf next. Irish enjoyed a memorable win over the Aussies yesterday, and the hosts were denied victory by the Italians in the last few seconds of a classic Pool A encounter. Shared a taxi with an Irish couple this morning, lots of them out here out enjoying the desert ‘craic’. High percentage of them wearing these silly green wigs – can see some now, beer in hand – surprisingly.
11:14
Japan v Uruguay
Some committed defence the main talking point early on in this game with each side stubbornly refusing to budge. Japan’s Tupuailei is comfortably their best player and has shone here and in San Diego. He boshes one, steps another, then gives a big meaty Islander hand-off to the desperate Uruguayan sweeper. Oranges. 5-0 to Japan.
Ball following from Japan in defence exposing a huge gap for Arocena whose arching run does the business, 7-5 to the South Americans. Has some-one slipped some booze into the Japanese half-time drinks… their ‘D’ is sloppy again and Etcheverry takes advantage. Game on! Narita under the sticks for an easy 7 and the Japanese are two points behind. See-saw stuff as Etcheverry collects a cross-field kick to book a semi with Zimbabwe.
Result: Uruguay 19 Japan 12
10:57
They really get the teams on quickly at these gig as Japan/Uruguay are on the pitch straight after. Our man ‘Sean the Statto’ has provided me with some ridiculous in-depth stats for the last few days, which I will be feeding to you over the day for you anoraks. Here’s one: Los Teros from Uruguay came last in the ‘Percentage Restarts Retained’ on Day 1 and 2, 0%, whilst The Japanese average 36 tackles per game…if you’re asking.
10:56
Zimbabwe v Georgia
Nemadire throws a rather obvious dummy which the Georgian midfield inexplicably buy and the Cheetahs are in for a 7. Georgians aren’t mugs though and a Kvirikashvili and Khmaladze interchange puts in their mate Shkinin. To and fro this, a dirty fly-hack us picked up by Nemadire who celebrates in Shane Williams fashion with a huge dive over the line. 14-5 to Zims at the half.
Georgians literally give a full invitation to for Mbanje to spurt through a gap on the 22 which he does with aplomb. Good game this with Gerogians looking busy and threatening on the ball and Todua reduces the deficit…cancelled out about 30 seconds later when Leitao confirms the Cheetah’s passage to the Bowl Semi.
Result: Georgia 10 Zimbabwe 28
10:31
Crowd filling up lethargically be fair to say the 30,000 strong crowd had an absolute ball yesterday – but not might be feeling so fresh today – 8 hours of partying in the sun is almost as energy sapping as 14 minutes of international rugby sevens. Our man on the ground ‘Stumpy’ (I’m sleeping on his sofa in his hotel) didn’t come home last night…….interesting? He has been in contact though this morning and has promised so more outrageous fancy dressed antics today – following the ‘Fairy’ debacle yesterday…
Right first up is some Bowl action….We have Zimbabwe v Georgia first to kick things off.
10:31
As well as the Cup games today we also have all the action from the formalities of the Plate and Bowl Competitions – one of the beauties of this amazing form of the game is that you could lose all your Pool games one day then turn up the next and walk away with a trophy – or a Bowl…
Quick weather update: Without gloating or rubbing it in we have zero clouds and it’s deliciously hot and warm with a soothing north-westerly gentle breeze. Basically ideal... Chin up!
10:00
Let’s not forget the girls too in their inaugural World Cup Sevens: New Zealand and England didn't concede a point yesterday, whilst Spain (!?) yes that’s right Spain also impressing yesterday, going unbeaten to topping Pool C.
09:56
Guten Morgan! Welcome to the third and final day of the Rugby World Cup Sevens LIVE here in Dubai. I’m pretty pumped about today’s festivities – which Men and Women will be walking away from the desert tonight as World Champions?! As has been the case all season, the Men’s tournament is wide open and we have some juicy Cup Quarters coming up this arvo: New Zealand v Wales, England v Samoa, South Africa v Argentina, Fiji v Kenya….mouth-watering hey.
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