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9:58

It's been a pleasure as always, you know the drill, see you tomorrow bright and early. Have an awesome Saturday night wherever you are guys....For Everything Sevens.

Take Care xox

19:57

Wow what a day! 24 back to back games of top quality sevens. The rain has held off thankfully and we saw some genuine quality out there in that last couple of hours and the 40,000 sevens fans got their money's worth with 9 hours of action i reckon...

Stumpy’s South Stand Update : The Baywatch clan got bored of their attire, and Stumpy enjoyed being a fairy so much in Dubai he has been on the prowl in the SS looking Tinker-Bell....which he did, a group of them actually and him and his five mates are leaving the stadium clad in wings and tutus and headed to Lang Kwai Fung (a cross between Benidorm/Tenerife but full of expats and minus annoying clubs reps from Sheffield) where i will meet up with them - I'm thirsty.

19:44

Cup Quarter Finals:

Some mouth watering clashes set for tomorrow....

Cup:

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

Plate:

France v Korea
Tonga v Scotland
Hong Kong v Canada
USA v Wales

19:27

France v South Africa

Penalty to France for a Boks obstruction and Julien Patey takes advantage going under the sticks. Quickly canelled by a brilliant little effert from the increasing effective Ebershon to level things up nicely. France probe but SA say shut the guillotine with disdain with some rib crunchers. That's drinks guys and gals.

Lovely break from Andreu and he feeds the flying Patey to send Les Bleus into a shock lead.12-7. If Heymann has said it once he'll say it again ,why is the short side so badly defended? Zangqa if you guessed correctly went blind far too easily, 12-12. French conceding too many penalties here and Benjamin makes them pay with another chip and chase - seen loads of them today. Zangqa just to rub it in chips again - and beats Inigo to the line. Boks top group.

Match 36 – Pool A – South Africa 26 France 12

19:14

The big games keep coming with the Boks meeting those popular chaps France in tonight’s final fixture. It’s another Pool Decider in Pool A with the winner meeting the second best runner up in the Cup QF – if that makes any sense? Both sides have just done enough thus far with the Boks point difference far superior...Think the French might do something here...saying that these two have played each 27 times in the IRB, the Boks the victors 24 times.

Random Hong Sevens Fact The first ever Hong Kong Sevens Cup Final was a Trans-Tasman clash between ‘The Cantabrians’ and ‘Walleroos’ with the Aussies finishing up the perennial winners.

19:07

England v Wales

Varndell stretches his legs but is caught for once, with the ball recycled right to Damu on the wing. Varndell is in the running again now shuffling and shimmying beautifully offloading one-handed to Barrett -12-0! Phillips into the mix now getting the ball at first receiver then chipping past Slater and winning the race to the line. Try of the day! Beauty of a reverse flick from Drauniniu finding Vickerman who spinning and popping to Cracknell and it's try time. Groves goes in late and gets a yellow for his troubles. 26-0!

6 man Wales score early doors thanks to Arron Bramwells central burst past a desperate Damu challenge. England makes some changes and have taken their foot off the gas, Ifan Evans scythes through to claw it back even further. Biggs is pulled down inches short but its Norris completes a valiant come-back for the Welsh skinning Phillips but its too little too late for the world champs...England to meet bogey side Samoa in QF.

Match 35 – Pool B – England 26 Wales 19 -

18:48

Another Pool decider now in Pool B and it’s another grudge England/Wales affair. The history books say these games are low scoring, nervous, nuggety affairs and ‘Statto’ informs me in the 10 years of IRB Sevens England have won 7 and Wales 6. Think the World Champs and their youngsters might struggle here, England have heeded to Ben Ryan’s plea of ‘pure ruthlessness’ (16 tries in two games) and are jam packed with pace n power. Let’s get it on.

18:47

Heard earlier of the tragic news that New Zealander Zar Lawrence learned of the death of his younger brother Wiremu in a car accident in New Zealand overnight.

Lawrence, who wore an armband wearing his brother's name, has courageously vowed to complete the tournament before flying home. Our thoughts are with his family...

18:34

New Zealand v Australia

Lovely early work form skipper Murphy and Morahan for once gives finding new boy Dom Shipperley for an early Aussie 5-0 lead. Great hit from Morahan smashing Vito back in his box then turning him over and whats that...Forbes is in the bin for killing ball, Kiwis down to 6! Thats very brave New Zealand sucking up some Aussies phases then patiently dragging the Aussies left and right before eventually Vito is in - 5-5 at half!!

Brilliant from Lawrence finding Cama's pass and busting a lung before doing the sweeper Kingi all ends up. He then cuts a beautifully line off Cama to extend the Kiwi's lead to 17-5. Kiwis looking utterly dominant in this half and the Aussies are just starved of much needed possession by a the clinical men in black.

Match 34 – Pool C – New Zealand 17 Australia 5 -

18:26

A Trans-Tasman treat for all 40,000 of us here as Public Enemy numero uno, Australia match up against Gordon Tietjen’s rampaging New Zealand. The men in black, as they often do in the pool stages, have been in an uncompromising mood and canny wait for the match up on the Wing. In the green n gold corner we have leading IRB Try Scorer this season 18 year old Luke Morahan, and in the black corner there is the bulldozing freight train of Victor Vito. Pool C decider chaps and chapettes. Winner to meet Kenya in the QF.

18:25

Portugal v Argentina

An early brace for the Pumas the second a lovely bit enginnering from younster Olivari finishing off his run with a brave lunge to the line. 10 - 0. Nice loop from Nunez Lasalle getting a pop from Olivari and a know i keep barking on about this about these Argentines finish every chance they create - clinical. 15-0 at the break.

Portugal get on the score sheet after for once some rather lazy tackling from the Pumas. Hang on they are right back in this Portugal Oliveira toying with the defense and eventually putting in Mora. Lovely dummy form Dobal thought and he runs the length eventually finding Lopez Fleming to confirm the Pumas' passage to the Cup taking on the winner of NZ/Australia.

Match 33 – Pool D – Argentina 22 Portugal 14 -

18:04

Atmosphere is bubbling superbly now in the Hong Kong Stadium. The South Stand is lubricated to the max beverage wise, I can see hundreds of Asian school children giddy and smiley after too much fizzy pop, inflatable balls are being smashed around and even the ‘suits’ (the plethora of corporate bankers present) have been jiving around to the music. Sevens Heaven. Pumas/Portugal – lambs to the slaughter with the way the Portuguese have performed thus far…?! A QF against Fiji await the South Americans.

17:59

Fiji v Samoa

Leaky start from Fiji gifting Jerry Meafou an easy score form what looked liked a rather tame hand off. Fijians respond in best possible manner with Tuowai equalising nicely with a show and go. The little general himself Mai puts his side in the ascendancy though dummying and screaming through injuring himself in the process. 12-7 to Samoa at beverages.

Great ball retention by Fiji with quick hands from Kotobalava and Tuwai finding Goneva to even up this ball game at 12 apiece. Referee Draper are you nuts? He bins Meafou for what looked a harsh call and that could be the end for Samoa. No they hang on but a draw mean Fiji take the Pool on points difference, Samoa should also be through to the Cup with that 2 points.

Match 32 – Pool E – Fiji 12 Samoa 12 -

17:40

Biggest match of HK 2009 coming up…It’s Fiji/Samoa. Going into my HK 7s knowledge bank this two have bene involved in some tumultuous clashes over the years here. That 1993 final played in monsoon clad conditions springs to mine, with the Samoans taking it 14-12 and they awesome back in 2007 dismantling Serevi and Ryder to clinch the 2007 final.

17:40

Kenya v USA

Injera really is a class act collected on his own 5 metres pumping it 70 yards and wins the race for the opening try. Big 'D' from Kenya is winning this for them and Kayange leads by example to extend the African leads. Don't write the US off though and Mark Bokhoven gets them back in it - Oranges.

With so much resting on this one nerves and fatigue are playing their part. The Kenyans like this manoevre putting a massive boot over any flat defence and steaming on to collect, Ashioya is the latest to adopt the trend 19 -5. Bokhoven gets some consolation for the US but it's not enough, Plate for them /Cup for Kenya.

Match 31 – Pool F – Kenya 19 USA 12 -

17:25

Right we’ve had some larks today bit it’s about time we knuckled down as it’s the first time the ‘big boys’ have met today. Again too close to call and not sure the Kenyan lot have adapted that well to these conditions frankly. My pal Toby, Kenya media man, joins me in the box now and is getting fidgety as usual pre every Kenya game. They tackle USA and a will guarantee Cup qualification.

17:22

Uruguay v Korea

Hi-Su runs a neat line off Won-Yong to give the Koreans a deserved lead after they had the best of the opening exchanges but backs comes 'Los Teros' with Santiago Gibernau cheekily stealing some ball from a breakdown and running in unopposed with tongue out. He's not laughing now though, he's taking a breather after a spear-tackle earns himself a yellow.

You can't defend with 6 men in sevens and Young-Hun and Sung Soo take advantage both stepping the unfortunate Lussich. Jung-Min then gives a generous try to Keun-Hyun and theres a bit of dissent in 'Los Teros' ranks with their heads down at their laces. Morales with some Phil Bennett stepping before releasing Carracedo for some small South American consolation. They both head to the Bowl.

Match 30 – Pool A – Uruguay 31 Korea 10

17:04

Some more Chinese for you:

Bin gor sic zai d pai ah! = Who ate all the pies?! (Probably Stumpy)

Wai, bo buiiii= Heeeeeeeeeey baby (Did I mention they are massive fans of DJ Otzi’s monster 2002 hit at the Hong Kong Stadium?)

Not the biggest or most relevant games on paper now but who out of winless Uruguay and Korea get some Pool A consolation??

16:55

Japan v China

Bulldozer Tongan born Tupuailei, one of players of the season thus far, smashes through for a trademark score but then it's Narita doubling the lead with a very lateral run that somehow worked out. Back comes the Chinese though. First it's Li Yang handing off for a score then 35 year old veteran 'Johnny' Zhiqiang picking a pass of his bootlaces and his old legs get him over - he's the all time top try and points scorer at HK. Drinks.

Early second half score from China's Tao is canceled out straight after by Kilryong So - importantly right under the posts - and it's 21-17 to Japan. Some tired guys bodies limbering out there now with Japan hammering on the Chinese door. Thats your lot.

Match 29 – Pool B – Japan 21 China 17

16:46

Regional bragging rights now as Japan/China lock horns in a potential classic all Asian affair. The Japanese should have too much in their lockers for the Chinese, they last met here a couple years back with the Chinese getting a 40 -12 spanking.

Stumpy’s South Stand Update : Baywatch have been dispatched in a drinking boat race losing out to some Welsh smurfs, with Stumpy the obvious weak link - but at least he's smiling. Their next fixture sees them take on a rag tail and bob outfit dressed as Shepherds and Sheep - probably Welsh again in that case or maybe even some Kiwis. Apparently there are smoking hot blondes dressed as belly-dancers that that have been setting the SS pulses racing - Tenner you can't get anywhere with them Stumpy...

16:17

Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe

These two have never met before in the IRB and it's the Cheetahs who start the brighter with Sibanda in some very snazzy orange boots blazing it up. Slater Ndlovu goes in shortly after and the Sri Lankans just struggling to match their opponents physically.

Nice break from Wijesekera who spins a ball with Muttiah Muralitharan-esque precision to Jayasinghe to open the Sri Lankan account. More missed tackles expose SL with Mitchell taking advantage. Nechironga extends the Cheetahs lead but at least Marijah gets a wee consolation for HK stalwarts Sri Lanka with quick speed of foot and and mind to create some space form nothing.

Match 28 – Pool C – Zimbabwe 31 Sri Lanka 14 -

16:15

Random Hong Sevens Fact England were victorious here four times between 2002-2006.

Sri Lanka/Zimbabwe have have spanked by both Australia and New Zealand as a points differences of -80 and -103 might suggest. So they might enjoy a slightly more chilled out ride here

16:11

Hong Kong v Tonga

Cagey start from both sides trading soft blows but it's Tonga who strike first blood with Taufa doing enough to go over in the corner. Robertson is denied from close range but makes a searing break just before the close of the first half, he's hauled down but the ball is recycled to McQueen who levels the ball game up nicely...Think the 40,000 congregation enjoyed that.

Haynes takes it from a scrum but the ball is worked back to the effervescent Varty who scores under the sticks and punches the air to the adoring South Stand. Bad missed tackle from Wright and Kaufusi leaps away but the conversion attempt is awful - can i get a cup a tea with that SLICE? 14-12 Hong Kong. Tonga are hammering but the seconds are ticking...its over, and the crowd goes bonkers in So Kan Pol - AMAZING.

Match 27 – Pool D – Tonga 12 Hong Kong 14

15:57

Stumpy’s South Stand Update Best fancy dress so far must be about 10 guys dressed as 'Banana Man' - High fives for originality!

Hong Kong/Tonga are up and the crowd is winding up to roar on the hosts. HK looked awesome earlier against Portugal with Varty, Robertson, and McQueen looking threatening and this is a battle to secure second place in the group.

15:47

Canada v Chinese Taipei

Ciaren Hearn goes blind to open his teams account and some flag waving Canadian fans dressed at Father Christmas look ecstatic. They are even happier when Canada's leading try man this weekend Philip Mack, aka the Big-Mac/Mack Attack (purely speculating on his probable nickname) who shuffles in for 5 from an acute.

DTH Van der Merwe (South African heritage me thinks) goes on a mazy run, faking in and out before gassing Wang Jen-Hsi with ease. Wang makes up for that tackle though bursting out from is own 22 before feeding Chih-Fei to get some points on the board for CT. Dala immediately responds for the Canadians and it's 22-7 to the North Americans.

Match 26- Pool E – Canada 22 Chinese Taipei 7-

15:34

Just got told there was a 50 man brawl in the party district of Wan Chai last night involving a lot of the players from the Tens Tournament. Former Fiji player Paula Maisiri was arrested and fined and Police were flying in with batons and pepper gas apparently on anyone in the vicinity. It's lucky i was a good boy and went home early-ish last night then.

Wah! Yin fa ho leng ah = 'Wow it really kicked off then'

I'm getting good at this language malarkey. Canada v Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)

Hong Kong - A former Fijian rugby player was fined for assaulting a Hong Kong police officer in a brawl involving more than 50 people that was broken up by police with batons and pepper spray, a media report said Saturday.

The running fight in three streets in the city's Wan Chai district occurred Friday just before the start of this year's Hong Kong Rugby Sevens competition.

Paula Maisiri, 32, pleaded guilty and was fined 500 Hong Kong dollars (64 US dollars) for assaulting the unnamed officer, the South China Morning Post said.

Police were investigating the incident, which involved players in a variety of team colours and security staff.

15:26

Scotland v West Indies

Windies make a promising start full of running, they have started each game well but then run out of juice Hollis Green makes good yards before feeding Luther Burrell. 'The Rabbit' (Hefin O'Hare) hops out of a challenge and hits skipper Roddy Grant whose in. Riddell supports well just before the close of the first period and its 14-5 at drinks.

Butts and Burrell combine nicely with the former getting them right back in the mix at 14-12 - they just need to organise their 'D' now and we could have a match. Or don't... an exuberant step from sub Easson hits Jimmy Thompson to widen the gap. Ding dong this and Butts makes an
inspired chip over a flat Scottish line to reduce the gap, conversion is MISSED! Scots get away with that one.

Match 25: Pool F – Scotland 19 West Indies 17

15:13

My new friend Andy Yeng from HKRFU has been teaching me some Chinese that might be useful here. I can't write the language funnily enough but will write what it sounds like....

Nei jor kau bin dou lai ga? Kuei jek ngnan byou mun tai! = This referee has eyesight problems and dubious parentage!

Leung jar gin lic si gar yat gor sun ge gon, mm goy! = Two jugs of Guinness and a new liver please!

West Indies/Scotland ladies and gents....

15:06

South Africa v Uruguay

Mbiyozo is under early before Kyle Brown sporting an 80's Motley Crew haircut shows useful speed and awareness to get his second of this HK campaign. Ebersohn looks a promising prospect full of energy and elusiveness as he scores and then it's Mbiyozo again powering over from short-range.

Stick joins the try-scoring festivites dummying left and dummying right before going under the sticks. Boks getting a move on here desperate for a good points difference and Zangqa punctures a huge South American hole to go under. Neil Powell goes under after a probing Zangqa pass, the assister then turns scorer to make it 48 without loss for the Boks. Stick's chip n chase finishes the job off sweetly.

Match 24: Pool A – South Africa 53 Uruguay 0

14:44

South Africa step up now against Uruguay’s Los Teros. Ridiculous amounts of Boks fans in HK – they really do love their rugby. Went for a beer with a mate of mine whose from Cape Town who has flown in. We had an hour’s debate on whose going to win the Lions but we did agree on one thing and that’s Paul Treu’s boys have looked shaky in recent weeks but must be relieved to have Stick back.. .still seeking a maiden Cup win in Hong Kong.

14:41

England v Japan

Fijian born Army representative Damu gets England off to an ideal start, Then it's some electric feet from Drauniniu finding often un-sun hero Rob Vickerman who screams in under the sticks.Anything Vito can do Vandell go can do quicker running around Sato after a long loopy ball from Damu. Vickerman grabs another before the break hunting down another Japanese error.

Jeez that is frightening gas from Varndell pumping his pistons and going in from 70m. Replacement Ben Jones also gets in on the act showing good upper body strength. Vickerman grabs his hat-trick then some unselfish play from skipper Phillips puts in Damu for his second. Philips nudges it from the touchline to complete the predictable rout.

Match 23: Pool B – England 50 Japan 0

14:22

England had a bit of boot fiasco yesterday. Several players had to have a last-ditch scramble for longer wet-weather studs that arrived by courier just 30 minutes before the start.

"It's not particularly professional of the boys. I gave them an earful for not bringing the appropriate footwear," said coach Ben Ryan, adding team officials had to call shops and sponsors for the equipment.

"It was a distraction we could have done without. One guy had to run about two miles to get a set."

They now face Japan...

14:12

New Zealand v Zimbabwe

Scrum time and a clever devoy run gives Vito all the space he needs and he goes to about third gear for an eventual 7 pointer. Gap for 7s guru Zar Lawrence feeding youngster Ben Souness to double the Kiwi lead. Souness is in again a minute later after a mazy run and that's where VV is so good sucking in three men and that gives Mikkelson all the space he needs before drinky poos. 24-0.

Mikkelson like a flying salmon takes the re-start shirks a challenge and runs in unopposed. Easy money. Cheetahs don't defend that blind-side wll at all and Savea goes in and then cuts a brutally efficient line moments later to extend the Kiwis margin. VV is looking menacing, boshes Sibanda picks up the loose ball and literally walks in - he has pretty much scored with every touch he has had.

Match 22: Pool C- New Zealand 52 Zimbabwe 0

14:00

Pretty brutal display from New Zealand yesterday and the rampaging Victor Vito (VV) seems to have completely recovered from the calf injury. Zimbabwe really were a success story in Dubai overcoming to political and economic mayhem at home to win four times. Yet they struggled against crowd ‘favourites’ Australia yesterday and could struggle against their mates from across the Tasman here…

13:59

Argentina v Tonga

Impetus all with the South Americans early on here with Rodriguez and then a snaking fun from Martin Bustos Moyano enough to go into an early 12-0. Tonga reply by working the short side nicely and then Kailea using a hand-off to generate some momentum to give the Tongans half-time drinks a bit more of a sweet taste. 12-5 to the Pumas.

Like how the Tongans love to go direct, It bears fruit if you can recycle the ball quickly and thats what happens here with Fonua doing enough. Merello, who is spoting an awful fro reminsent of Screech from 'Saved by the Bell', breaks out and the Tongans go far too high on him. 17-10 to the Pumas. But wait it's Palei dummying and now he's over and the conversion is GOOD. 17-17.
Hooter has gone but doesn't stop Bustos Moyano go on a jinking run that beats three and he finds Urdapilleta to win it for the Pumas.

Match 21: Pool D – Argentina 24 Tonga 17

13:38

Random Hong Sevens Fact: Waisale Serevi, regarded as the best Sevens exponent of all time, played his first HK 7s tournament in 1989 and his last in 2007!

As I’ve come to expect from the Pumas, they were once again thoroughly disciplined, and despite actually all being amateurs (doctors, lawyers, students apparently), were professional in putting away Hk yesterday. They have been blessed with a pretty comfortable group so not expecting any shocks here. Haha the Heymann curse will surely strike now.

13:37

Fiji v Canada

Fiji looking rampant here with two early tries the second a bulldozing Pio Tuwai picking up where he left off yesterday casually gliding in from halfway. 14-0. But back comes those plucky Canadians who never know when they are beaten first Philip 'Macca' Mack scoots over using his low centre of gravity to catch the Fijians cold then DTH Van der Merwe gets in wrestling match with three Fijians but ultimately wins. 14-12 @ Drinks.

Nasoni Roko sucks in some defenders then hits a flat ball to the experienced Goneva whose too quick for the flailing despairing tackle of Dala, converison is over 21-12 to Fiji. See saw stuff guys with Van der Merwe jinking feet fooling Roko to cut the gap. Fiji seal it though with Roko again dovetailing with Tuwai. Good workout for Fiji that.

Match 20: Pool E – Fiji 26 Canada 17

13:16

Fiji have won here 11 times in the past but times are changing and the selection hiatus, sacking of Fiji God Serevi and player withdrawals have hampered them big time. Like the look of this squad that Tanivula has picked here so I’m quietly backing them. If that’s not the kiss of death….

13:14

Scotland v Fiji

It's the Scots who cough the errors early doors though when Kayange takes control of the loose ball and sends his ole mucker Injera in. Injera repeats this little double act moments later when simple hands and straight running feeds the winger who ever so casually steps Hefin O'Hare (Scottish journalist informs they call him unsurprisingly 'The Rabbit'). Kenya at their best here sucking up tackles then turning over and Innocent Simiyu goes in now, 17-0 at the half.

Fly-half Asego's lovely footwork from a scrum puts another try early doors. Another Injera break and there are bucketloads of supporters on hand, he chooses Simiyu and this is getting messy for the Scots. Riddell gains a consolation after brave yards from Grant but thats your lot. Kenya right back in Pool F - the most open group of the tournament.

Match 19: Pool F - Kenya 31 Scotland 5

12:55

No respite in Pool F which will be the tightest group here. Kenya, notoriously lethargic starters, didn’t click against the West Indies in yesterday’s opening day fixture. Close friends and star men Kayange and Injera need to come to P.A.R.T.Y here big time. Coach Gemmell is happy with their progress and a win here pretty much guarantees their route into the Cup QF. They last me a few weeks back in Wellington where the Scots won 19-14

12:54

France v Korea

Michel who looked handy yesterday stands up his man with a textbook ‘shimmy and go’ to give Le Bleu an early advantage. Final pass is missing for France but they are dominating possession wise. Jacques Boussuge (looks a little like French Tennis star Gael Monfils) grabs a cheeky quick brace from two quickly tapped penalties. 17-0 and not sure In-Jung's boyz have touched the ball?

'Mon Dieu' exclaims Blues Coach Thierry Janeczech after a cacophony of errors from his men. Replacement Lee Jung Mins finds some joy going blind and wriggles himself over to cut the deficit but it Sung Soo then telegraphs an obvious pass thats gleefully gobbled up by Albaladejo

Match 18: Pool A – France 24 Korea 5

12:39

Public Enemy 2 France are up against Korea. They maybe loved to hate but Poujol the try of the day yesterday a sweeping French move full of Moët & Chandon rugby that went the length. Koreans actually have a decentish record against their opponents and it was only three years they battled to a 19-19 draw.

Stumpy’s South Stand Update: Some fans dressed up the French Gendarmeries (Think Policeman from TV show ‘Allo allo) are facing a torrent of banter in the SS – with plastic beer glasses and other missiles firing down on them, apparently they are taking it well – let see if they are smiling with another 5 hours of it. No update on Cheerleaders hunt…

12:31

Wales v China

Good start from Wales with Ifan Evans running a lovely inside line. But thats lovely vision from Yang, spotting some space dinking over his man, then collecting right in front of a delighted South Stand. Thats more like it from the Welsh with lung busting support from Jevon Groves adding the points. Back roar China - great creative work from 'Johnny' Zhiqiang putting in Yang. 12-12 @ Half = Upset?

Yang in early for his hat-trick after a lovely weighted nudge from Tao!! 17-12 to China! This is a great game with China hanging by a thread getting some favourable calls from ref NcMenemy. But that was inevitable i'm afraid with Groves too fast and too strong. The conversion is good and the Welsh save their bacon.

Match 17: Pool B – Wales 19 China 17

12:13

The Welsh youngsters coughed and spluttered their way to their win over Japan yesterday. They face another rising Asian sevens force here in China. Think I told you yesterday that their legend is 35 year old ‘Johnny’ Zhang Zhiqiang who remarkably leads the all-time points and tries scored here. He was instrumental in China’s shock 19-12 last year, can they embarrass another bunch of Celts here?

Stumpy’s South Stand Update : The Baywatch boys have befriended a bunch of boozing teletubbies and ‘hot’ (so he says) cheerleaders …not jealous at all. Hope he makes a tit of himself.

12:09

Australia v Sri Lanka

Murphy sells an outrageously cheap dummy thats gets bought to take an early 7 point lead. But wait some patient Sri Lankan play is finally finished by Hettiarach! 7-5 to the OZ. Leading IRB Try machine this year Morahan is in thats his 23rd of this campaign and his 24th quickly follows suit with a heeky Fijian hitch kick too classy for a knackered looking Sri-Lanka.

Massive credit for Sri Lanka they looking lot lot better then yesterday where they got drubbed. Hettiarachi is in for his second after a quick tap but their resurrection doesn't last long with Vanderglas running a tidy scissors to coast in. Opportunist try from Brock now with leading points man this season Kingi adding the two. Kingi, Murphy, and powerful looking Vanderglas also go in to add to important points difference.

Match 16: Pool C – Australia 56 Sri Lanka 12

11:49

Wowza bit of an upset that and the HK boys are delighted as are the majority of the 40,000 fans. Portugal look a different side that were causing upsets left right and centre a few months ago. Sweet Child of Mine is one – Haha never seen so many simultaneous ‘Air-Guitars’ as the South Stand get properly involved.

Public Enemy 1 (Aussies) are up, and they must be licking their lips tacking on a brave Sri Lankan outfit that got stuffed by the Kiwis yesterday. They just don’t appear physically to cut it on the international stage I ‘m afraid. Statto informs me that the average score from the previous meetings between these two in HK is 57-0 – praying for a Sri Lankan try, be an understatement to say the crowd will appreciate that.

Random (high yawn factor) Hong Sevens Fact: Sri Lankan were the first winners of Bowl, introduced back in 1984. Thrilling.

11:25

HK/Portugal. The hosts were poor yesterday but I’m backing them to do a job on Portugal here. The crowd just goes bananas when their beloved team take to the paddock and it must be like having an extra man and a half in your midst. They must stop Pedro Leal very much a ‘go-to’ man for these young Portugese.

Random Hong Sevens Fact:The Hong Kong Sevens were established in 1976 between the chairman of the HKRFU, South African entrepreneur, A.D.C. "Tokkie" Smith, Duncan McTavish (HKRFC then captain) and Ian Gow, a Rothmans' Tobacco company executive over pre-dinner ‘refreshments’.

11:23

Samoa v Chinese Taipei.

That 71-0 could be matched here with three tries in the blink of an eye, a brace from Iosua and a powerful pirouetting Fa'osiliva bringing in the goods. The latter's dummy is good enough once again just before the half but no theres time for Aiona to go in. 31-0 @ Oranges - Not really much for Samoan coach Rudi Moors to say there, apart from 'awfully well done chaps'.

No-one picked up Levasa there - apart from play-maker Mai who nudged it in the corner for him to get a routine score. Classy way to bring your hat-trick up Isua, chipping the hapless Chien-Lin and getting a good bounce on the soggy turf. All about points difference now with Maiava shuffling shimmying and Mai's rapid conversion.

Match 14: Pool E – Samoa 50 Chinese Taipei 0

11:06

Samoa/Chinese Taipei are up. Statto has just informed me the last time these two met in Hong Kong, CT got a genuine pummeling 71-0. Tough break. Lets see how they fair against the often hot and cold Samoans who must be eyeing up their mouth-watering clash with the Fijians later tonight, that will be a belter.

11:05

USA V West Indies

Free flowing start to this one with both sides throwing risky passes. US do their best to butcher a break made by skipper Swiryn but eventually Palamo, with a lovely frizzy Samoan looking frizzy poneytailed coiffeur, is dotting over. Matt Hawkins dummy sends him over and then Bokhoven extends the US lead. Back comes the Windies with powerful burst from Josh Clark giving some hope the boys from the Caribbean. 17-7 @ drinks.

Ok...not much to report from this half! Just a lot of knock-ons and some lung busted players. Oooh massive hit from Suniula on James Jones but they just can't keep their mitts on the greasy ball. US just doing enough to close it out.

Match 13: Pool F – USA 17 West Indies 5

10:55

USA/West Indies. Sporting a pretty new side The States were a little bit flatfooted in my opinion yesterday and were made to pay by the ever improving Scots. ‘The Windies’ as I prefer to coin them gave Kenya some issues yesterday and the US can’t take them for granted. Hoping PJ Komongnon gets some game time today, did a feature on him a while back and he is the star of the UR7S sizzle video - he brings a whole new meaning to the term side-step.

First 'Hey Baby' blasts out - will never get tired of hearing that....'ooooh ahhhh, i wanna know...'

10:51

Weather Update: More overnight rain and pretty overcast with a greasy surface top that's not particularly conducive for flair-tastic rugby. Loving the setting though, with a misty blanket over the forests surrounding the Hong Kong Stadium, almost like a scene from a Harry Potter film. Nice and hot though, shorts and flip flops pour moi with my new extremely cool and controversial shades camped on my head on the off chance - the press box doesn't know whats hit it.

10:42

Stumpy’s South Stand Update : The big man was 'in da house' yesterday but that was really the pre-cursor for major antics today. Looking over now it's 10:30 and there isn't an empty seat in the South Stand - We have Incredibly Hulks, Cave Men, Loads of Builders, Even more smurfs, and a personal favourite of mine Umpa Lumpas. Stumps and his mates have gone for the tried and tested 'Baywatch' - apparently the ladies didn't take to the fairy in Dubai so lets see what fruits this bears.

10:32

Good morning good morning how are we. It's day 2 of the Hong Kong Sevens and we have 24 Pool matches back to back for you today, Live exclusively here on UR7S - for everything sevens. No real surprises yesterday and don't expect too many seismic upsets for the first part of today. Some crunch pool deciding pool fixtures coming later with the tastiest being Kenya/USA, Fiji/Samoa, New Zealand/Australia, and England/Wales.

Just get the boring yawning admin stuff out the way - The Winners of each of the six groups goes straight through to the Cup Final with the next two spots up for grabs for the best runners up. The rest will go straight through to the Plate and Bowl - Get it? Got it? Good.