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20:12

I'm off. Got to check in with my Uncle Rob whose putting me up tonight in a very chic part of Edinburgh, I hope he is wearing his funny man bow-ties, a genuine classic bit of attire he likes to don. Just in front of me at a deserted Murrayfield one final streaker attempts to make it over, he is dressed as 'Stig' from Top Gear and doesn't even make it on to the green stuff. Sleep it off in the slammer pal. L8terz, see you in the morn..x

20:09

So there you go South Africa are officially the Series Winners breaking the Kiwis complete IRB Sevens dominance. Fully deserved and they have performed when they have really needed to do today. Paul Treu wants to take it out in style though with a win tomorrow. Another cracker-jack lays in store to finish what has been one of the most exciting seasons we’ve had.

19:58

Right here are the Cup Quarter-Final line ups:

South Africa v Australia
Samoa v Scotland
Kenya v Wales
Fiji v New Zealand

The rest will have to make do in the Bowl I'm afraid...

19:56

Canada v Scotland

Early possession from the hosts and Gregor is snagged just before the line but arguably the Scots MVP today Roddy Grant bundles over past two crunching Canadian challenges. Scots press but they are spilling ball here, Lamont at fault a few times, and that’s how it remains at the end of a pretty frustrating half. 7-0.

Nice work from the Scots Skipper Forrest who inside ball finds the trundler himself Ally Hogg whose under the sticks, then does a rather cool/edgy fist pump celebration with Gregor. Well wicked boys. Back come Canada, with tidy interchange between Shoults and Mensah Cocker giving Buckley a score. 14-5. Grant feeds Shaw and he is off round a breathless Buckley to pen the lead again. Super stuff these from the Scots with replacement Laidlaw showing good feet and hitting Shaw for his second 26-5 to the hosts.

Result Canada 5 Scotland 26

19:41

Right final game of the day and it's the Scots against Canada. Canada need to beat Scotland by 22 points to give England any sort of punt at being in the Cup. Seems highly unlikely considering how well the hosts have played today. They are eying up a quarter-final clash with Samoa tomorrow, a game they will feel they can take. A good run tomorrow could give them that elusive top 10 position in the series giving them ‘core’ status, allowing them to compete at each of the 8 legs for the 09/10 season. Crowd rise out of their sunshined and beer drowsiness to get behind their boys for the Day 1 finale.

19:36

Australia v Fiji

Roko goes streaming through and steps Walsh the sweeper with ease to coast in for a 7 pointer. Bizzare try as Coridas slams a ball into Stannard’s face, everyone stops but it’s not a knock on and Stannard picks up and we have a level ball game. Aussies press with Walsh looking prominent but Fiji suck it up and do what they do best on the counter with Goneva’s dummy working well. 14-7. Shipperley is a hot prospect and he gets a super Stannard ball to again cut the deficit. 14-12.

Fiji hitting some real form here and razor sharp hands from Kotobalavu to Burotu puts the big man in and it’s 19-12 to Fiji. Vanderglass rather butchers an overlap but it doesn’t matter as a few plays later Bishops quick feet puts it on a plate for Shipperley – 19-19. But Fiji have the laugh with Kolinisau chipping over his man to a tee and gets the ideal bounce to give his side a deserved win.

Result: Australia 19 Fiji 26

19:13

Argentina v Samoa

Samoa listen to Heymann’s backing and race into the lead thanks to Pesamino’s try where he took a flash pass from Lui. 7-0. That move worked so well they thought they would give it another go with Pesamino again cutting Lui and going under the sticks to double the advantage. Samoans going route 1 (as per!) and there are cracks all over the Pumas defensive line in this one, with Fa’osiliva taking full advantage and it’s 21-0.

Mai is breaking this time and the head bandaged, knee bandaged and general walking wounded Levasa musters some energy to support and walk in for another cracking try, all too easy at 28-0. Scorer turns provide now as a chip through from Levasa finds Salesa and he streaks in. 35-0. Why can’t the Samoans always play like this?! Simple hands from the Islanders as they have numbers and Lesa is in again. Lui yet to miss a conversion too. Any danger of a Puma’s consolation? Yes there is as Bustos Moyano scoots over near the end.

Result: Argentina 7 Samoa 42

18:54

The stadium MC has braved it and gone into the mass throngs of the Kenyan fans who are going beserk. The West Stand is awash with flags, smiles, and singing another special win for them

Pool D and it's between Samoa/Argentina to join Wales from this one in tomorrows Cup. They meet now. Could be very close this one, I'm going with Samoa over the San Diego winners.

18:50

Kenya v England

Kenya’s playing with a lot of confidence and take advantage of a free-kick to ship it to Injera who rounds his man then gives Mickey Young a vicious hand-off to. 7-0 Kenya. England looking all at sea with a series of errors allowing Biko Adema to escape Golling’s dive 14-0. Back comes Young for England streaking down the field and finding starling on his right shoulder. 14-7 to Kenya. England blow a couple of late chances with some uncharacteristic fumbles/ absolute howlers over the line. Drinky poos.

England come out a million miles an hour but they are not getting the bounces/50:50s and now Mickey Young’s only gone and got binned for some persistent infringements. Rodwell throws a risqué ball and it’s read like an open book by Asego who comfortably strides in to make it 21-7 to the Africans. Biggs has a go and makes decent yardage but is hauled down and it’s just not happening. Phillip’s late score closes the gap but the hooter has gone. Kenya top the group and England probably find themselves in the Bowl tomorrow.

Result: Kenya 21 England 14

18:31

England might rueing their performance in Hong Kong which really didn’t help their IRB chances but they can certainly be proud of the ground they have made up this year. Clash of the individual table toppers now with Ben Gollings leading points scorer this season and overall in the IRB history and Collins Injera the leading scorer who has been a joy to watch this season. Both outstanding footballers.

This group is ultra tight and England need to summon their reserves and try and put in performance and win by 22 points to overcome the Africans at the top of Pool C...let’s see what they can do.

18:28

South Africa v New Zealand

Great work from Mbiyozo slowing up ball and forcing a penalty, moments later he is streaking down the wing only to be hauled down by 19 year old Baker, who himself is having another fine day in only his 2nd IRB tourney. Some Boks ill discipline allows the men in black to work it to Tuoro who gives a great outside pop to workhorse Grant to get the board ticking at 5-0.

SA get lucky with a hopeful Dazel’s ‘Garryowen’ bouncing straight into teammate Kyle Brown’s hands and he’s under the sticks. 7-5 to SA. Back come NZ with a super break from the elusive Tokula finding Baker whose in again. 12-7 to the Kiwis. Boks playing like the deserved champs they are, with a stunning sleight of hands putting in Brown for his second and the lead at 14-12. And that’s that, stunningly effective and clincical 7s from SA that gives them Pool A.

Result: South Africa 14 New Zealand 12

18:09

The Kiwi coach conceded earlier that he feels the South Africans deserve their success.

"I think they probably do," said Tietjens. "They've been the most consistently performing team, they've turned out with a regular squad, some very good Sevens players, very quick, good at the breakdown and always keen to generate good ball to use their pace.

The former holders New Zealand now face this seasons winners South Africa, as we enter the final stages of another gruelling IRB Sevens day. Although the title is of course confirmed for Paul Treu they are determined to finish this season strongly. Of course it’s the Kiwis who had the last laugh in their final meeting in the Semis last week in London, winning 10-5. Two quality sides.

17:53

Some South African reaction:

"It's an unbelievable feeling for me, I can can only imagine how the players are feeling," said coach Paul Treu, himself a former captain and involved with South Africa Sevens since 1999.

"I don't think the guys even realise what they've achieved as a team. Maybe when they're 30 years old or sitting at home when they're old and looking back on their careers, this is definitely going to be one of the highlights.

"Credit to everyone who has contributed to our success, this is something that didn't start this season but four years ago with a vision that we want to become one of the best Sevens teams in the world and leave a legacy behind, and that's exactly what the guys have done".

17:51

Cheers Jim, thanks for giving me a break there. Just went to stretch my legs outside, got accosted by a couple youngsters thinking bizzarely I was some sort of player wanting an autographs...I mean sure I have been working the guns/pistons/levers hard recently in the gymnasium but they need a reality check. I pointed them in the direction of a couple of the floppy haired Argentine players milling around for some genuine signatures. Brings me back to memories of chasing Gavin Hastings and Will Carling round my local rugby club when I was 6, the glory days.

17:43

Portugal v Spain

Portugal draw first blood - Esteves receives the ball with a massive overlap and it gets wide to Mateus, 5-0 to the Portuguese. A looping pass from Feijoo, rather Bergamasco-at-scrum-half-esque, is grabbed by Esteves inside the 22 and Portugal extend the lead to 12-0. Some scrappy ball juggling ends up with the ball in Foro’s arms and Spain look a downbeat and defeated team, 19-0 to Portugal at half-time.

Spain fronting up more to Portugal now and it pays dividends, Martin scampering in on the right touchline to make it 19-5. Suddenly Spain have some zip and enthusiasm, Gomez diving in to finish off after Martin’s tap-and-go, 19-10. Maybe I spoke too soon...but then again – Esteves receives an offload on halfway and accelerates away to make it 26-10 and surely put this Iberian clash beyond doubt. Pedro Leal gives Portugal the last say, 33-10.

Result: Portugal 33-Spain 10

17:43

Right we have a grudge Portugal/Spain clash now. Portugese looking for some points to give them a good shot at reaching successive Cup 1/4s.

17:21

Wales v Georgia

Wales start brightly as Harries scythes through the middle of the Georgian line, 7-0 to the World Champions after 25 seconds. Rhys Jones makes it 14-0 as he darts through a tackle on the left touchline to stretch the lead. After some nice possession, Harries sprints in for his second score and it’s 19-0 Wales. Hint of a forward pass maybe...but it was well finished. A line out steal from Wales allows Harries to complete his hat-trick and put Wales 24-0 at half time.

Wales waste no time as Merriman ghosts past 3 Georgians on his way to a score in the right corner, 31-0 just after the break. Norris and Evans link up well on the counter-attack before putting in Jones for his 2nd and Wales are well out of sight at 38-0. Evans makes the break and is stopped just short, but Norris picks up where he left off and dives over for 43-0 – Wales are cruising in the quarter finals of the Cup. It’s not a whitewash though, Tuchashvili grabs a pass from Shkinin and jog in for Georgia, 43-7. Stamping their superiority, lovely move from Wales puts in Evans again – it finishes 50-7.

Result: Wales 50 Georgia 7

17:20

Jim’s Update: Jim just got back to me he says it’s a hive of activity out there behind the West Stand, the Kenyan fans are singing for the TV cameras, there are some awards for the mini ruggers on the back pitches and Roddy Grant is have a catch up/cuddle with his missus – nice!

Jim will talk you through the next couple of matches...

16:59

France v United States

Sneaky sneaky from Marc Andreu pilfering some ball from a US scrum to coast in. Another US error sees Combezou feed a blazing Patey and it’s not a great start from the US I’m afraid – 14-0 to Les Bleus. Real lack of cohesion from the States and they just can’t get things going or break down this Gallic wall. Time for a breather.

Why don’t the French do this more often, they up the tempo nicely again going wide and releasing Dabrin for the corner. More slack defending from the US allows Combezou to blaze in from 60m for a well taken try extending their lead to 26-0. Good hussle from the States and Komongnan makes yards but is hauled down a yard from the line but it’s Scully who bundles over for some consolation. Another tough lesson for the young Americans though.

Result France 26 – USA 7

16:39

The French are an unpredictable lot aren’t they but if they can keep some of theis current lot next year it could be interesting with Patey and Dabrin looking good. USA’s Alex Ross has unbelievably only been playing Rugby for four months and had actually never played 7s until London last week – didn’t stop him scoring against Argentina though. Their squad is full of former American Footballers, Wrestlers, and Water Polo players!

16:35

England v Canada

Better from the English working it well with Barrett and Starling linking well to put in Gollings. Phillips commits a penalty and it’s Brown jinking and neatly putting in an underarm flick to Buchanan for the Canadians to take the lead at the half. Ben Ryan’s boys looking very sluggish today. 7-5 Canada.

Big bosh from Oduoza and it spills out giving Phillips some room and he puts in Starling who goes in 40 years very casually. Conversion is good and it’s 12-7 to England. England turn the screw here and Phillps is buzzing getting a return ball from Starling to go under. 19-7. Gollings is breaking from some scrappy ball and bursts away to put this to bed at 26-12. Mensah-Cocker goes blind from a breakdown to reduce the gap but they’ve left it too late.

Result England 26 Canada 12

16:18

England captain Ollie Phillips add his thoughts into the interesting argument over whether this leg of the series should be held at the home of sevens at Melrose instead of Murrayfield.

‘I would love to see the IRB event at Melrose at the end of season, I’ve played in the ‘Kings of Sevens’ series down there and you could have their finale around the IRB series finale, it would get everyone into Borders for the weekend’. Interesting. Hosting the finale of the Series at the intimate Greenyards at Melrose could really add to the stigma of this leg.

First things first England need to their Edinburgh 7s campaign back on track. England/Canada and the English need as many points as possible.

16:17

Kenya v Scotland

Razor sharp start from the Scots with Lamont originally held but he muscles on and it’s Roddy Grant who powers in for the first points 5-0. Immediate pressure from the Kenyans though as Asego goes through giving it back to Injera and the Kenyans are up 7-5. Seesaw stuff. Grant goes through Injera’s poor tackle and Scots are 12-7. Really enjoying this as now it’s Odour’s bullocking run and evasion of Gregor’s tackle enough and we’re all square at 12 apiece.

Hogg is binned for a deliberate knock on and so it’s not a surprise when Onyango goes in a moment later picking up Injera’s pass. 17-12. Going to the wire this one as it’s worked wonderfully out to Hefin O’Hare and ‘The Rabbit’ is in. But heartbreak for the Scots as back come Kenya showing their incredible fitness, with an Odur break brilliantly halted by Gregor but it’s flicked back to Kayange for the final blow.

Result Kenya 22 Scotland 17

15:54

Jim’s update: Jim’s checking the vibe in the East Stand and it’s very much a case of gearing up for the Scotland/Kenya game next up. Gregor Townsend is doing the commentary here and seems to be reminding everyone to ‘slip, slop and slap’ the suncream on every 5 minutes such is the rarity of this sun for the fair skinned fans.

Another question of revenge now with Scotland being robbed by Kenya last week, with the African’s ‘never say die attitude’ getting them through a close one 17-12. Funnily enough wasn’t enough to get the Kenyans through to the Cup such was the tightness of that particular group down in London.

15:51

Portugal v Australia

Sills does a job early on here, he is as green as they come but a genuine emerging talent with bags of pace going round Esteves. 5-0 to the Oz. Portugal plug away on that Aussies line but that’s some impressive ‘D’ and it’s turned over and a slick breakout eventually gives Vanderglas an easy run to the line to double the Aussies lead at 10-0 at drinks.

Sills similarly to Kyle Brown of Boks and Baker of NZ has a horrid little rat’s tail at the back of his coiffeur. He’s rounding his opposite winger once again at the start from a scrum and is then picking up some loose ball to go over for the simplest of scores a minute later, oh and his hat-trick. 24-0 to Oz. Fainifo - a replacement - is in now after nice work from the effervescent Stannard, 29-0.

Result: Australia 29 Portugal 0

15:32

Random Scottish Sevens Fact: Off the back of the first International event held here in 1973, the first World Cup was also held in Murrayfield in 1993, with England led by the ‘Prince of Pace’ Andrew Harriman picked up the first ‘Melrose Cup’.

Right bit revenge time for Michael O’Conner and his Aussies now as they face Portugal who took them out in London in the Plate Semi. Think this could be close again. Willy Brock looked pretty electric in their first game, i'll be watching out for him here.

15:30

Fiji v Spain

Fiji come out flying with Tuwai using his lanky limbs to get out of Gomez’s challenge. Next up is the very cool chilled out looking Kolinisau gliding through after some textbook Fijian patient build up. Some neat work from Vucago and Goneva originally gives Lutumailagi the room to cruise in. 21-0 to Fiji. Half time and a bit of YMCA comes on...not sure about the musical choices so far in Scotland. DJ is a potential embarrassment.

2 on 1’s are bread and butter for the big boys of the IRB such as Fiji, as Tuwai declines to give it dummies instead. All Fiji and they are just toying with the Spanish again now. Tuwai takes it up short, goes round his man and is in for a hat-trick. Nasoni Roko this times hot steps his man and cruises under the sticks to rub further salt into the Spanish wounds. Finito.

strong>Result: Fiji 40 Spain 0

15:14

Quote from Scott Gemmell, Scottish Coach. ‘That performance we put down there against the English has put a marker down for the rest of the weekend. It was important to lift the Murrayfield crowd early and we dug deep and played some quality rugby’.

The Spanish are back on. Tough break for them is that they face Fiji in Pool B. Jeez no respite hey.

15:09

Samoa v Wales

Mai loops round his mate Lui and gets a return pass right up the heart of the Welsh line. Nice riposte from the World Champs with good graft from Lee Beach, vision from Lee Beach, and support from Tom Issacs gives the latter a score. 7-7. Cagey stuff this with no side really prepared for anything risqué. Half-Time.

Tal Selley runs a lovely ‘in to out’ line and that’s enough for one of Wales most experienced campaigners to go over. Lui now spots that there’s no sweeper at home for the Welsh and chips ahead, collects, and goes over to equalise at 14-14. Smart work again from Samoa using the boot well seeing Pesamino in and that could be it. Can the Welsh sramble a draw as the hooter goes. The answer is erm...no.

Result: Samoa 21 Wales 14

14:48

Argentina v Georgia

Too many penalties conceded by the Georgians and it’s giving the Pumas plenty of ball here and it’s Santiago’s brother, Pablo Gomez Cora who goes in early, quickly followed by Nunez La Salle. Begadze of Georgia is binned for constant infringements and it’s another score for the South Americans after a scything run from Nunez Lasalle is supported by Fradua. Revol gets one more before the break, going up the sort side. 26-0.

Lovely subtle touch from Ascarate flicking it out the back of his hand to feed the insatiable Santiago Gomez Cora. Regulation scissors is too hot for the Georgians too handle and Gomez is for his 5th of the tourney. Revol likewise gets his second after a shimmying leap dumbfounds Ninidze, 47-0 and getting ugly. That’s their 50 up, with Fradua powering past a shattered looking Gerogian sweeper. That’s your lot.

Result: Argentina 54 France 0

14:26

That's pretty much the overall Series title win to South Africa now...congratulations to them!

Jim’s update: Jim quite enjoyed that Scotland win being of Scottish heritage himself, a few casual fist pumps whilst of course retaining some professional media decorum. He’s gone for a wander and there is a nice atmosphere at the back of the West Stand.Sun, samba drumming and sombreros aplenty as the Murrayfield lives up to the ‘festival’ tag – a far cry from a usual drizzly grit filled Magners League game!

14:25

New Zealand v France

10 token French fans pipe up with some ‘allez les bleus’ but it doesn’t bode well for them on the pitch as Baker skips out of a paper weight tackle to go in for his 3rd try of the day after a minute. Zar Lawrence is in next after the likes of Souness and King make the honest yards up front. Souness is in moments after rounding Patey. France have had zero ball! They get some touches now and it’s Durquet going in after Pujol’s initial thrust.

King intercept gives him a run in but that’s wonderful tracking back from the French and although it gets popped to Cama he can only knock on, scrappy from the Blacks. This half as gone decidedly flat but it’s left to Tokula to put the finishing touches on a secure win, 22-5.

Result: New Zealand 22 France 5

14:05

Some quotes from Gordon Tietjens now the New Zealand Coach whose team are on the verge of being usurped for their title. ‘Tietj’ for those you don’t know is a 7s coaching legend (in the Sir Alex Ferguson mould at Man Utd). who has guided the Kiwis to Series after Series in the last decade.

"It would be great to win this last one, we've have two good years here in the past winning them both and we've battled this year, we've been in three finals and we've been knocked over right at the end in a couple of those games," said Tietjens. New Zealand/France are on.

14:05

USA v South Africa

Brave resistance this form USA hanging onto their tackles and grinding them down but it’s all SA. Dazel who enjoyed a superb season if truth be told gets his hands on the ball now and a scurrys over from close range. 5-0. After Frankie Horne is held up a Scrum 5 eventually allows captain Mzwandile Stick over and it’s 10-0 at drinks. That bit closer for SA.

Sloppy from South Africa as some fannying around by Zangqua gives Scully an intercept try from close range. Zangqua then makes up for his earlier misdemeanours cutting a great scissors with Dazel after good work from Horne. Aplon gets scragged but gets back on his feet somehow to shoot over from the 22. Mbiyozo and Zangqua puts the finishing touches on a comprehensive win with simple moves that sucks in a load of defenders before flinging it wide to the respective wingers.

Result: South Africa 34 USA 5

13:15

Wow that really opens things up in Pool C now...and great for the tournament as a sudden injection of enthusiasm reverberates around this cracking the home of Scottish rugby.

Round 2 for the boys now. This is it folks. If South Africa can close out this match the IRB World Sevens Series is that bit closer as Cup Qualification guarantee them the elusive points they require. Doesn’t get any easier for Al Caravelli’s US pups now having to face this lot! From the the way the Boks have warmed up they mean business. Cohesive, error free, and lots of bum slaps and high fives...

13:12

England v Scotland

Scotland enjoy some early possession and keep it nicely before going left and giving John Houston an early blow and its advantage to the hosts. 7-0. Great 7s Scotland! Lamont pulls it back and a cheeky little cross-field chip gives it to Laidlow whose in for 14-0. The London winners haven’t woken up yet getting swamped by a rampant Scotland, Cracknell conceds a penalty and recycled ball gives Lamont an easy score, 21-0. The IRB Series runners up finally get on the board courtesy of a looping Phillips pass hitting Rodwell out wide. 21-5 at drinks.

Regulation England winning the re-start, with the always livewire Barrett breaking before a looping pass hits Oduoza whose too good for Lamont on this occasion, 21-10. Sloppy Scotland. Quick tap from Gollings and in an effort to retreat they allow England’s general to coast in from 50m, 17-21. What a game this is! Grant now wriggles out of a slack challenge from Barrett to give the Scots a cushion at 28-17. Game, Set, and Match – Turnbull motors through a gap to seal a deserved Scottish win

Result: Scotland 33 England 17

12:50

Right this is more like it as the crowd come to life at a rapidly filling Murrayfield. Scotland make their way onto the pitch to face that Auld enemy England for the first biggie of the day. These two met in the Semi-Finals last week with England having too much, 26-12. The Twickers crowd played a big part, and Scotland coach Scott Gemmell will be looking for a similar response from the Murrayfield faithful.

12:47

Kenya v Canada

As expected a physical game from these two. Before you know it though, Kahuthia shows some searing pace down the flank to make it 7-0, dodging missed tackles to break the deadlock. Canada are certainly making a game of it, Kenya doing well to stop them making anything of the handful of breaks they’re making – it’s competitive stuff. Kayange claims the ball from the breakdown though and passes it to his brother Collins to get Kenya 14-0 up at half time.

Doesn’t take long before Injera nips through on halfway again and canters through for an easy score under the posts, Kenya pulling away now at 21-0. It’s that man Collins Injera again, receiving the ball from a Kayange offload and Canada are getting a bit battered now – 28-0. Injera is on fire, Canada have some pressure but Injera breaks away down the left to seal a thumping 35-0 win.

Result: Kenya 35 Canada 0

12:25

Some say Stats don’t lie – well they do here. Canada/Kenya have met 11 times with the North Americans taking winning 9 times. Yet Kenya’s form in the last couple of seasons ultimately dwarfs that their opponents. Having brothers Humphrey Kayange/Collins Injera both shortlisted for Player of the Year again illustrates their progress.

I'll leave you in the capable hands of Jim Ross for this one...

12:25

Australia v Spain

Shaun Foley, sporting a snazzy new shaved haircut, gets a bit of room and after a handoff or three scampers away to get this show on the road. Shpperley is now away comfortably possessing to much vavavoom for Cano. 10-0. Wowsers Spain are on the board! After some beautiful continuity it’s big old Martin Heredia who gets a room and he rather embarrasses Shipperley one on one to take this to 10-7 at the half.

Willie Bishop shows the Aussies the way forward with a dazzling Jason Robinsonesque feet round Cano enough for some green and gold breathing room at 17-7. Bishop is busy now and another break is supported by Stannard to put this one to bead. 24-7. Courageous stuff form the Spanish with a Fernandez break not quite getting over.

Result: Australia 24 Spain 7

12:06

em>Jim’s update: No Stumpy this weekend, but have enrolled a true Scot by the name of Jim Ross to give me some running updates and general assistance from the craic around the ground. Welcome to UR7s Jimbo.

Spain to make their first appearance in the IRB this year now against the boys from OZ....

12:03

Fiji v Portugal

Skipper Vucago starts and finishes a move from a Scrum on the halfway linking nicely with Tuwai, 7-0. Sareki extends the lead after a monster hit from Burotu. Aguilar though takes advantage of the fact the Fijians haven’t put any guards up and strolls in rather casually to eat into Fiji’s lead, 12-7. Roko, wearing some of the flashiest mouldies at Murrayfield flies up the left flank before hitting Lutumailagi. 17-7.

Portugal rather panicking here and a turnover gives Tuwai the ball and he just glides at a rate of knots for the score. Moments later Goneva goes in and the Fijians are overwhelming the reigning European 7s champions. Kolinisau is having a mazy burst here and sees Kotobalavu on his shoulder for try time. 36-7 Fiji. Votu sucks in a couple and hits Kotobalavu on his shoulder to round off proceedings at 41-7.

Result: Fiji 41 Portugal 7

11:45

Portugal were probably the surprise package in Twickers, recapturing their great form of earlier in the season to reach the Cup Quarters. They rather blew it though after going three scores up in that 1/4 against Scotland, before letting them back in it at the last gasp. Shaggy dreadlogged Esteves was their stand out guy with his rangy running tough to put down. Fiji need to be on their guard, this has banana skin witten all over it.

Random Scottish Sevens Fact: Ned Haig – Sevens’ founder – main 9-5 job was as the local Butcher in Melrose.

11:44

Samoa v Georgia

Georgians proving tough to break down here but Lui shows off his footballing ability chipping the sweeper to break the deadlock. 7-0. Moments later it’s Lesa getting his hands on the ball and shimmying over to take this one out to 12-0. Plucky stuff from Georgia but they just don’t have that bit of X Factor to break down the tight Samoan defence right now.

Georgia showing a massive improvement here from last week, a twisting Gegenava breaks feeding Shkinin and it’s 12-7! Georgians are right up for this taking lumps out of Maiava. Samoans are easing away though, first it’s Asifa’amatala pirouetting nicely, then it’s the skipper Mai who goes in and that’s the ball game I’m afraid at 26 -7. Salesa jinks past Ninidze to go further ahead and the Georgians are blowing as Maiava bags his brace picking up some loose turnover ball.

Result: Samoa 38 Georgia7

11:22

Georgians – rather predictably for such an emerging nation- got rather taken to the cleaners last week, although it was rather expected being placed in a group with SA, Aussies, and the Welsh. It doesn’t get much easier now with Samoa in their way. Samoans have had a mixed year and just seem to like concentration to string consistent results over a weekend. This weekend could be the final time we see their brilliant stalwart Ulae Mai on an IRB Sevens pitch too.

11:21

Argentina v Wales

Showing their magical Dubai World Cup form from the off are the Welsh, with a sweeping move enough for Shellard to go in. Guess who. Fradua flings it wide to that man Gomez Cora and it’s an equalising try. The leading IRB try scorer of all time is in again breaking the line and putting his foot down, he’s getting on a bit but he’s still lightening. Hat-trick time as Argentina round off a cracking 7 minutes with Gomez-Cora too quick for Evans, 17-7 at the half.

Welsh back in it, Aled Thomas goes a metre out from the line gets held up but pops to Evans and it’s 17-12. Bosh what a hit from Moyano on Shellard but he manages to ‘get rid’ and Beach scampers in to give the Welsh the lead at 19-17. Pumas just can’t get their hands on the ball here and they grind it out to get the win.

Result: Wales 19 Argentina 17

11:00

Right we have a re-run of the World Cup Final now in the Pumas and Welsh clashing horns. Both looked a wee bit off colour at Twickers. With the Welsh keeping a number of the squad who went all the way in Dubai in March and Gomez-Cora looking sharper than ever for the Pumas these guys know what they are doing.

10:58

New Zealand v USA

All New Zealand swinging the play left to right and it’s Zar Lawrence cutting in round his man to get their campaign under way. Savea has a bit of a shocker doing all the hard work then dropping it over the line. Doesn’t matter though as the mulleted 19 year old Kurt Baker continues his fine form from last week and it’s 14-0.

Dear old dear Mr Savea you’ve stuffed up again, this time with the line begging Enosa lunges on him knocking from his grasp. US trying to work it out from their line. Turnover time though and it’s Savea giving it to Baker who does that sniff that try line well – 19-0. Sloppy from the States turnover and this time Savea doesn’t muck up going to extend that lead. Souness break now and despite a Komongnan tackle he offloads to Cocker for a 5. Some tidy work from Komongnan gives Palefau some US consolation.

Result: New Zealand 29 USA 5

10:37

The US took some lumps en route to their 1-5 record in London (check me with the American sports lingo). But this is a much changed side with talented youngsters aplenty. They are currently 9th in the standings, if they can keep that top 10 position it will keep them as a ‘core’ team for next year. They have never beaten these Kiwis though – don’t expect that stat to change now I’m afraid.

10:35

South Africa v France

Right Renfred Dazel – shortlisted for Player of the Year - gets the Boks off to an ideal start dummying of a scrum to go in early. With a French sin bin not helping their cause, another Dazel dart ably supported by Snyman is enough to double the advantage. Stick swerves his way past some lackadaisical French ‘D’ to probably put this one to bed at 21-0. Take some fluids lads.

C’est plus facile non?! Ryno Benjamin coasts in after simple hands from a set piece. 28-0. Ryno gets in again picking up some loose ball and skating over on the far side now. Benjamin cynically knocks on from a loose ball earning him some bin time. Combezou takes full advantage to give some consolation to the French. An Albaladejo break gives them yet more parity but it’s all too late.

Result: South Africa 33 France 10

10:15

Right who’s up first? That’s right it’s those title hunters South Africa against France in Pool A. This is the toughest group of them all for me with USA and New Zealand also in it. The French record is pretty dismal against SA in the IRB Series, with the Boks winning 26/29 of their meetings.

“You could see that the players were a bit tense last week, we're definitely going to play a bit smarter, especially going into the New Zealand game but most of all we're just going to take it one game at a time”. Well said Mr Treu.

10:04

Scrolling my eyes down today’s schedule we have some tasty fixtures. England/Scotland, South Africa/New Zealand, Kenya/England, and what about for Portugal/Spain from some Hispanic fair?

10:03

For those of you not in the know then our wonderful game of Sevens was actually conceived here in ole bonny Scotland. Not here though down the road in Melrose in the Borders. So we owe the Scots alot and especially the bloke whose actual idea it was to shed a team down to 7 men, Ned Haig. Cheers big guy, in some twisted way if wasn’t for you there’d be a good chance I’ll be on the dole.

As are the rules for these jaunts, the sun has decided to be kind and make a rarefied celebrity drop in to the grey gritty climates of Edinburgh for this weekend. It’s pretty sweltering actually, it’s Dubai all over again, woop!

09:57

It’s been a long old season but if you thought I was wilting you’d be wrong. London last week was another purler with England scrapping to a miraculous win over New Zealand in extra time to keep alive their aspirations. Just to highlight the openness of it all the four Bowl Semi-Finalists from last week were the same four who met in the World Cup Semi’s back in March.

And if you thought that was a bit bonkers then what about Scotland playing Portugal in the Cup Quarters last week?! Nine different teams have reached tournament the various semi-finals this year. So yes I’m pretty intrigued to what twists and turns occur this weekend!

09:56

So Paul Treu’s Boks require a single point from this weekend’s round of matches to take their first Series title. In layman’s terms they basically have it in the bag. All they need to do is qualify for the cup tomorrow (finish 1st and 2nd in their group) or if worse comes to worse win the Bowl...it’s going to take a pretty serious shocker of monumental proportion for them not to close this out.

09:42

Howdy gang, welcome to Murrayfield for the final leg of the IRB World Sevens Series at the Edinburgh Sevens. It’s a two day affair up here, as it was at Twickenham last weekend, and it’s those relentless South Africans who are literally on the cusp of ending New Zealand’s long dominance in International Sevens. Bit of a relief really, twas getting rather boring seeing DJ Forbes et al doing that celebratory Haka every five minutes...