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Robin Heymann is back in the desert for the start of the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series. Follow all the action as Robin keeps you informed on all the goings both on and off the pitch at the Dubai Sevens (4-5 Dec). Email views and comments to: livetext@ur7s.com Follow on Twitter: UR7sLiveText

22:36
I'm done! Dubai might be in the headlines for the wrong reasons at the moment but the Sevens will always be a shining light for them. Right, full report to follow in News to summarise the day's proceedings from a rapidly emptying Dubai. See you next week in South Africa kids. UR7s... for Everything Sevens....

22:31
Annette Sills (Clinton Sills of Plate winner's Australia' mum!)
well all i can say is WOO HOO !!!!! Go the aussies Clint just rang, what a BIG effort from the young guys, thanx again 4 a great job. loving your work!

Dan, a Kiwi in London
Yeah baby back on top where we belong. Never lost faith in Tietjens!

Thanks for all the emails guys. Looking forward to hearing form you next week from South Africa.

22:25
Stumpy Update: He sounded a little bleary did the big guy but the crowd all loved that, even if most were supporting England here. He's been dressed as a women for two days now but will still be dancing the night away later. I might just join him. Another very special weekend for the fans in Dubai. I wonder how George will compare next week? I'll let you know as UR7s will in town to give you the lowdown.

22:17
The glitter, fireworks, and music is blaring as they take the trophy. And the famous victory Haka that has been missing for so long is back. South Africa beware, New Zealand are hurting and want their Series back. What will George, South Africa next week bring at the second leg of the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series?

22:16
Congrats to Gordon Tietjens and his side. They were just consistently good all weekend and considering he was worried they were under done, with no tournaments in the build up to this, it makes it even more remarkable. A real team effort with every man contributing in the latter stages today. Forbes, Lawrence, Baker, Cama all stepped up and of course there was Sherwin Stowers.

22:07
Cup Final – New Zealand v Samoa

Both sides feeling each other like a couple of hungry but patient boxers. Breaks from Aiona (Samoa) and Lawrence (NZ) see the defensive lines rushing back. NZ have the territory and Forbes reverses it and links with Tomasi Cama who scores in the corner. 5-0. The ball is stolen by the Kiwis soon after, then stolen by Samoa, before getting recovered by Lawrence for NZ! He feeds skipper Forbes for an easy score, 10-0. Can Samoa claw one back before the break? No as Stowers saves the day with a cover tackle. 10-0 to NZ at drinks.

Perfect riposte from Samoa, they had to get that first score – it’s Levasa streaking away to half the deficit. 10-5 to NZ. Samoa continue to pressure and Aiona hacks through, popping to Lui and he’s in. Brilliant nudge from Lui for the extras, he’s done that all day, 12-10 to Samoa. Now Stowers jinks through and finds his mate Baker who scores under the H. 17-12 to NZ. Break by Pesamino but he’s hauled down by Raikabula and NZ survive. Brilliant block from Cama who recovers it and chips the sweeper to score. That could be it at 24-12 to NZ. It is, NEW ZEALAND WIN THE DUBAI SEVENS.

Result: New Zealand 24 – Samoa 12

21:51
Can NZ grab their first Cup win since the 2007/08 season? With Stowers, the find of the weekend, in such electric form it’s going to be tough for Samoa. The likes of Forbes and Lawrence love these big occasions. Lolo Lui has been superb this weekend leading Samoa from the front, supported brilliantly by Mikaele and Pesamino. Who can handle the pressure to take the maximum 24 points on offer here? It’s 10 minutes each way remember. Gentlemen it’s over to you.

21:38
Right it’s down to serious business. After 43 matches over today and yesterday we finally have our two finalists. New Zealand and Samoa. The grand finale for Dubai Sevens 2009. The crowd are pumping and can actually and after borrowing some binoculars can see Stumpy bopping hard with a load of Snow White’s dwarfs and Where’s Wally characters!

21:34
Australia lift the Plate and they look truely 'stoked' about that. They were unlucky in the Cup QF early today and its' superb for O'Connor's young charges. Let's hope it's a real building block for them this year.

21:32
Plate Final – South Africa v Australia

Boks press hard, dominating possession and territory but the Aussies hold firm determined not let them in. Jonker goes in hard but the Aussies steal it and Foley (Bernard) is making tracks but he’s denied by some steely Boks defending. After all the tries this weekend, this is a gritty one folks. Finally some creativity and former Sydney Rooster Shaun Foley delicate grubber to Sills is perfect and the Aussies have the lead at the half. 7-0. Sills can’t stop scoring! B52’s Love Shack?! Lovely jubbly!

These two actually look a bit tired and for the Boks it’s just been one of those days. Their pattern isn’t working and they are making elementary errors thanks to some decent pressure from the Aussies. Brilliant tackle from Bernard Foley saves a certain score and gives them scrum ball on their line. What has happened to the Boks? With a huge overlap on offer they spill it again. Hooter goes and Australia totally deserved that. That result is awesome for the Series as a whole.

Result: South Africa 0 – Australia 7

21:09
It may be the Plate but I think this is really important game for both South Africa and Australia.

The Boks need to pick themselves up and give them a boost ahead of their home leg on the IRB Sevens next week in George. If Australia can take advantage of the wounded Boks it would also give O’Connor’s youngsters plenty of confidence that they can put down the green machine. Can’t help feeling the Blitzbokke won’t be slipping up twice today though. Clinton Sills’ mother, Annette (See 15:19), down in Australia will hope I’m wrong!

21:09
Getting a little bit tired of Austin ruddy Powers, see 12:15. Still he's doing his best to keep the crowd going and build them for the two remaining game of the night. A 'Wham' medley does the trick and everyone is on their feet. Electric and cheese filled atmosphere.

21:05
Allan, Kenya
Big shame about Kenya but New Zealand and Samoa have been the best sides here this weekend, no doubt about that! What a great start to the season!

21:02
Dubai Sevens Flashback: 2002, New Zealand thrash Samoa 36-0 in the final of the IRB Sevens...it won't be that easy this time for the Kiwis.

20:59
Bowl Final - Wales v Zimbabwe

All Wales to start with and that will please boss Paul John. First it’s Jevon Groves fitting through a hole and he’s backed up by Ifan Evan’s superb feet. 14-0. Back storm the Cheetahs though xxx That’s why they are World Champions! Great stuff from Wales with Groves and awesome hands from Justin Tiperic hands them a 19-7 half-time lead. Get some fluid on board boys, it’s been a long weekend.

Bit easy this for the Welsh as Morgan finds the ever reliable Evans on his left hand shoulder for 26-7. Cuthbert with long languid stride just eases away from the Cheetahs. 31-7. Shall we just do the presentation now fellas? Neat intricate switch moves changes the direction of play and Gareth Davies joins the party for the Welsh for 38 -7. Brilliant tracking back from Evans stops Zims from certain try, what an engine on the lad!

Result: Wales 38 – Zimbabwe 7

20:42
A massive rendition of 'Delilah' reverberates around the stadium bringing the crowd to their feet, especially as Wales are running out now ready for the Bowl Final! Wales and Zimbabwe both have bags full of pace in their team so I’m really up for this one. Cuthbert and Hondo entertain me please.

In other news, I’ve been worried about my BO for about 4 hours now, such is the whiff here in the steamy box. A journalist who will remain anonymous just walked off and I can confirm I’m not the one who needs the Right Guard. That’s ideal for later.

20:31
Shield Update: It’s go go go at ‘The Sevens’ with the Shield final. Portugal and Russia. Both sides looking a bit nervous here such is the allure for silverware. Russia have a little star in little Vasily Artemyev who scores a cracking opener. Portugal are not be denied though with Tavares bundling over after good work from Foro. But it's Artemyev who has the final say scoring two more ties to cap a remarkable hat-trick and despite a late da Cunha effort, Russia take the Shield.

Result: Russia 19 – Portugal 14

20:11
So we have a New Zealand/Samoa final. Could be an epic. New Zealand look really composed with their tackling superb and Stowers the main man and Samoa just look inspired...

20:09
Cup SF – England v Samoa

What a start for Samoa! Iosua makes the initial break and flicks it inside to Semi-Final hero Lui, who is in. A minute later the ball is moved left and its Fa’osiliva who is in. A kick is dabbed through and England’s sweeper Barrett makes a right hash and Lui flies in to get pressure down. Just like that it’s 21-0. Back come England and its Royle flying down the line with a kick and chase that he wins. Wow this game is shifting . Samoa shut down England till the break. 21-7.

Similarly to Fiji, it’s just not happening for England. They think Abbot is in but he’s called back for a forward pass. Samoa keep stangling England and a Cracknell drop doesn’t help England. Barrett taps a penalty and somehow finds Cracknell on the left wing. Phenomenal kick from Gollings. 21-14 to Samoa. 3 minutes in it. Aiona breaks for Samoa, he’s hauled down by Damu but eventually Pesamino is over. 28-14 to Samoa. Great work from Gollings and Norton give Cracknell another in the corner, but it’s all over.

Result: England 19 – Samoa 28

19:50
Samoa and England usually put on a bruising affair. Simaika Mikaele has been inspired for them and coach Stephan Betham has been shocked with how well they have played. These two last played here at the RWC Sevens with Samoa stealing a famous extra-time win in a sickener for coach Ben Ryan. I think the start will be crucial. Will England’s speed (Norton, Royle) be the undoing of the islander’s though? This is bound to go the full 14.

19:47
Cup SF – Fiji v New Zealand

It’s 1-0 to Stowers as he rips it round Ryder! Then it’s Baker making a thrust and flips it inside to Lawrence (who loves that inside shoulder) and it is 5-0 to NZ. Baker again makes the yards, and some neat play by Cama who feeds Stowers to make it number 9 this weekend. Kiwis up 12-0. Stowers now turns creator giving a beauty of a pass to Forbes who thinkS he is over but Andrew McMenemy disagrees though. Oranges.

Semi-Finals of this magnitude need big players to step up, and it’s Zar Lawrence, who has been quiet by his standards this weekend, who steps his man with aplomb under the H. 19-0. It’s just not happening for Fiji. Ryder is using all his tricks but the black wall is holding. Impressive and clinical stuff from New Zealand as they put the tackles in again and get a forward pass call that goes their way. The hooter goes and they have booked their place in the Dubai Sevens Final.

Result: New Zealand 19 - Fiji 0

19:24
Fiji and New Zealand are Rugby Sevens’ most illustrious two natures. Just spoke to the legend that is Nigel Starmer-Smith and he will tell you of the phenomenal tussles these two have had over the last 20 years. They first played each other in the IRB Series back in 1999 here in Dubai with the Kiwis winning that day.

Full of exciting matchups here. Stowers with 8 tries this weekend on one wing, William Ryder on the other. DJ Forbes the bulldozer against the likes of the monstrous Cakau and Tuwai. It’s endless. Fiji is the crowd’s favourites undoubtedly in this one but the Kiwis have been in ominous form and could be peaking at the right time. This is going to be interesting. Cue Bon Jovi.

19:23
Invitational & Club Update: The Wooden Spoon charity make their third final in a row in the International Women’s event. But it was the French Women’s 7s team who victorious over them much to the joy of the band in front of me. Wooden Spoon looked good with their England players looking dangerous, but couldn’t break the intimidating wall put up by the French. Be awesome to see more sides in this competition in future years which Olympic Rugby might bring.

In the International Invitational it was a mouth-watering match with International Marauders (basically the SA Vipers) and Sporting Chance (basically Samurai International). Paul Treu will be hoping his second string/youth side can put a smile back on his face. Mike Friday, former England coach, is coaching Sporting Chance. Bit it was the mini Boks were triumphant playing in a similar vain to how their senior side doesi t on the world stage. Sporting Chance, led by Aussie legend Tim Walsh, came back with a late flurry but it wasn't enough.

19:15
Dubai Sevens Flashback: 1990, the Dubai Sevens spread their wings to countries from across the globe as USSR, Hong Kong, USA, and Germany make their way to the desert.

18:56
Tim, CEO Ultimate Rugby Sevens
Awesome coverage Guys!

Cheers boss! Nice to keep my paymasters happy! Check out the UK National Series we have just launched in our features tab.

Pioneering stuff in the UK and it's generated some good buzz here in Dubai. Starmers and Co can't wait!

18:45
Stumpy Update: This French band have abandoned doing the traditional rugby band stuff and playing hits from the Full Monty and a perennial rugby fav ‘Hey Baby!’ Rung Stumpy to come down to check them out and he bought his merry band of men who all seem to have donned the retro fluorescent sports kit. They do some jigging/breakdancing then push off. Cheers..

18:34
Invitational & Club Update: The legends from Christina Noble were victorious against Wooden Spoon in the International Vets 10s final. The likes of Leon Lloyd and Timmy Horan may have lost a yard or two but the like rugby minds are still very much in tact playing a vinatage brand. Wooden Spoon faired better in International Oversea event though just edging it over a very spirited Pyrenees 7s. The French band really stepped up their support with the trumpets and drums but it didn't stop the Spoon and their dangerous strike runners. Few well deserved beers tonight boys? I'd say.

Mary Warwick-Millar strong>
Hi Please give a Heads up to the Wyvern Harlequins playing in the finals of the International social side MY SON MIKE GRIMES AND HIS FRIENDS HAVE GOT TO THE FINALS HURAAH!!

I'm a hit with the mothers today it seems!

18:06
Darren in Singapore
Wish i was with you all in Dubai, love that place and the IRB Sevens. How does 'The Sevens' compare to the old Exiles ground? Go New Zealand!

Dazzler, i've asked the people in the know who have been to both and the general feel was the old Exiles ground was good because the nearby pitches were all close and it was a good community feel and had the tradition. But the facilities here are world class, and once the lights come, it's a magical venue in the desert for the 45-50,000.

17:59
The four cup semi-finalists, Fiji/New Zealand and England/Argentina have been pacing around the grounds staying chilled and hydrated for their games later. They are saying hi to the fans but their game faces are definately on.

New Zealand v Fiji, IRB History: Played 53, New Zealand (30), Fiji (23).
Samoa v England IRB History: Played 36, England (21), Samoa(14).

17:43
Invitational & Club Update: Hollywood Sevens beat Wyvern Quins in the final of the International Social. They are mostly schoolmates from the UK and really impressed me with their Sevens nous and gas. The International Under 20s was a really niggly affair between the Welsh Urdd Gobaith Cymru (!) and Pyrenees 7s - U20. The Welsh boys were totally dominant winning by 40 points. They are loving their time on the big boys pitch that's for sure.

16:53
Julia
Another Aussie following your chat as no live coverage here where I am. Is Gary (Austin) from Australia or NZ?? I was working at Red Beach School in NZ last week and I thought they said he had kids at that school. Just checking - NZers don't usually like being thought of as Australian!

Hi Julia, will ask Agent Powers when he's next back in the commentary booth!
 

16:52
Keep the emails coming in, it's great to hear form you all!

livetext@ur7s.com

Or do you prefer Twitter?

Follow @UR7sLiveText

16:43
Bizzarre scenes at 'The Sevens' in Dubai. Just had the cheerleaders in a stand off with a bunch of storm troopers led by Darth Vader (he must be so hot in outfit)! They eventually embrace as a Spiderman and a smurf join in the group hug too. Stumpy seen rushing down from his stand desperate not to miss out on being the centre of attention!

16:29
International Invitational Women's

So it's France against Wooden Spoon, who include some England intenratonals battling for the major honours, here are the results. Should be an epic final on the main pitch at 17:40.

QF - Tuks Ladies 27 - 19 Arabian Gulf
QF - Rugby Ecosse Feminin 0 - 14 French Womens Sevens
QF - Moscow Region 24 - 0 Kenya Lionesses (Racing Club)
QF - Wooden Spoon Rugby 19 - 0 USA Womens Sevens National Team
SF - Moscow Region 7 - 10 Wooden Spoon Rugby
SF- Tuks Ladies 5 - 26 French Womens Sevens
Plate Final - USA Womens Sevens National Team 5 - 15 Rugby Ecosse Feminin

16:15
Talking of Austins, just seen another, Austin Healey qualify for the final of the Vets 10s. His side includes Tim Horan, Tim Stimpson, Leon Lloyd, and Will Greenwood. All the finals from the Invitational, Club and Women’s events will now be played on the main pitch in front of me. I’ll give updates to what’s going on. What an experience for these guys to play in front of 50,000!

16:15
Stumpy Update: I’ve been sitting next to the renowned Austin Powers impersonator who has been delighting the Dubai Sevens for many years. He’s actually Gary from Australia, actually worried he honestly thinks he’s Austin Powers?! Just been with Stumpy and suggests he comes and meets Gary (Austin). With Stumpy in his UK dress he could play the role of Felicity Shagwell from the Austin Powers movies potentially? I think I’ve lost the plot. Sleep deprivation.

15:29
Plate Update:

Plate SF: South Africa 19 Kenya 14
The Boks put their obvious dissapointment of losing to Fiji earlier today to one side and squeezed past their African rivals. Scores from Ryno Benjamin and Mzwandile Stick matched scores from Kayange and Injera, but it was the Kenyans who led 14-12 in the closing stages before Benjamin gathered a cross-kick to win it at the death.

Plate SF: Australia 26 Argentina 12

Tries from Sills (2) Bernard Foley (2), and Shaun Foley proved the undoing of Argentina. The Pumas managed tries from Santiago Piccaluga and Joaquin Todeschini but it's the Aussies who will g onto face Australia at 20:14 local time.

15:19
Annette Sills, Australia
hey robin, my name is annette sills,my son is clinton sills who plays for Australia.Just wanted to say thanx for making me feel as if i was there watching him. I sit up & wait for his game on twitter all excited waiting for the news so thanx again.

Hi Annette! Clinton has really impressed everyone from last season and this weekend. His athletics experiences have groomed him to compete on the very highest Sevens stage it seems! Just walked past him in the players food lounge actually. See you at the Adelaide Sevens!

15:09
Bowl Update:
Wales can take great heart from their performances here and their young squad looked quality againt the injury ravaged USA winning through to the final of the Bowl. Alex Cuthbert again getting on the score-sheet. There they will face Zimbabwe. Zims are another side heading to George next week with plenty to smile about showing character and an appetite to work for each other in their 27-14 win over France.

Bowl Final: Wales v Zimbabwe
 

14:53
Shield Update: Scotland have crashed and burned in Dubai and have come up winless. Here they got thoroughly outclassed by a rampant Portugal 29-5. Arabian Gulf also came up short against the readily improving Russia were had beaming smiles on their faces following their 26-12 win over the hosts.

Shield Final: Portugal v Russia

Charlie, London:
Enjoyed Portugal's handling against the Scotch - Iberian flair against dour Celts.

Well Charlie, Gregor Townsend and his Bone Steelers legends side might give the Scots something to shout about later when they play Greenwood and Healey in the Veteran 10s Semi-Final...will get down to watch that for you.

14:37
South Africa coach Paul Treu on his team's defeat by Fiji

“Fiji is just so dangerous on attack and they forced us into making crucial errors inside our own half. I’m pleased with the intensity and the commitment of the guys. Protection of the ball and taking your chances when it matters, are two crucial elements of Sevens rugby and Fiji was just better on the day,” explained Treu.

14:29
Just went and watched some of the invitational stuff, there is a great fesitval feel around the place on all the side pitches. Just watched a UR7s colleague, Stewart 'High Shorts/Gas' Turton win his Plate Overseas Invitational semi-final against the Rugby League side the BARLA Lions. Stewart used his monster quads to good use but went tryless in what mainly a bit and pieces role for him.

Send me your emails on the rugby, crowd banter, and anything you want as long as it is printable: livetext@ur7s.com

13:27
Right i'll be giving some Shield and Bowl updates very soon and build up to the big games. Off to wonder around the grounds and see what Stumpy the buffoon is up to and grab some breakfast. Anyone got any Factor 10?

13:25
Dubai Sevens Flashback: 1991, Queensland led by the great Michael Lynagh, storm to victory in the desert playing a thrilling brand of sevens, never seen before at the tournament.

13:20
Do feel a bit gutted for the Aussies there. They played a great 14 minutes, just lacking the strength to hold out the powerful Samoa.

What a set of matches we've just seen here in Dubai. Four sensational quarter-finals there with each of them in the balance right till the last minute. Brilliant stuff. Not much seperates the top sides it would appear.

The last four match ups in the the Cup are going to be intriguing.

Cup Semi-Finals:

New Zealand v Fiji
England v Samoa
13:14
Cup QF – Samoa v Australia

Good start from Australia. First Karauria-Henry squirms up the middle and soon after the increasingly impressive Clinton Sills screams through a yawning gap and to take it to 12-0 to Oz. Back comes Samoa though with Aiono standing up a couple of men with an under-arm pass to Pesamino enough to get under the H.12-7. Now its Lui making a break and finding Pessamino inside and from no-where Samoa have the lead. 14-12 at the half.

Great start form the ‘green n gold’. Quick feet from Karauria-Henry gives Quirk a try and it gets better and better as Sills once again smokes up the Dubai turf and Oz lead 22-14. Sills is now chipping and gets a handy bounce that gives him all the space he needs for his hat-trick. 27-14 to Oz! Lui cuts the gap with a near dummy-scissors and the kick is good. Samoa trail 21-27. What a finale. Iosua scores for Samoa leaving Lui from wide out to win it. He’s one of the best in the business at this and Lui and nails it the jubilation of his teammates! What a set of quarter-finals!

Result: Samoa 28 – Australia 27

13:01
Right well England will meet either Samoa or Australia. Samoa really impressed yesterday. No-one fancied them to start and Stephen Betham’s boys just went about their business and were the better of the sides in the 12-12 draw with Fiji. Although Australia also performed well, their lack of experience on the big sevens stage might cost them here. Saying that Samoa are sometimes rather inconsistent.

Oh I don’t know. I give up! It’s so hard predicting the ‘glorious uncertainty’ of Sevens, as UR7s columnist Nigel Starmer-Smith would say.

12:49
Cup QF - England v Argentina

After all the excitement of the first two quarters this is a bit flat and a bit error-stewn. Norton is having a go but the Pumas just compete and hassle their opponents with ferocity. England conceding penalties and that usually costs points and Bruzzone capitalises under the sticks. 7-0 Arg. More England penalities and just before the break Arg go for call but is goes miles wide. Can I get a cup of tea with that slice?! Drinks.

Finally some decent stuff. Great work from unsung hero Cracknell make the initial burst and Norton’s meandering run feeds that man Royle. Gollings misses the extras though and it’s 7-5 to Arg. Brilliant from Norton cutting inside then embarrassing the Arg sweeper. England 12-7 up. This is stomach churning stuff for both coaches as possession switches hands as the clock ticks down. Free-kick to Arg and a kick is picked up by Nunez Lasalle who flies in. Kick is wide. 12-12...extra ‘golden try’ time....

ET - Abbott makes a great break but he should have given it earlier. Scrum to England. And not for the fist itme in the last decade Ben Gollings comes up trumps for England going blind and sending the crowd into delirium.

Result: England 17 – Argentina 12 (ET)

12:36
The last time England met Argentina was when they were pipped to the USA 7s title in San Diego in February by a rampant Pumas. Yes the South Americans are a much changed and new side from last year but they showed yesterday they are talented and can do one on England here. England coach Ben Ryan was satisfied with his side yesterday and his own new players such as Nick Royle caught the eye.

“I'm really pleased with the guys, they've done really well, but it's a two day tournament and all that hard work could be undone tomorrow if we don't turn up in the quarter finals,” said Ryan.

12:25
Cup QF - New Zealand v Kenya

Stowers just has some turbo boost that gets him away from his opposite defenders in one fell swoop, his early try gives NZ an early lead, 5-0. Baker is another young star whose dogdgy barnet doesn’t stop him tying Odour up and feeding Zar Lawrence. Kiwis up 12-0. Kenya just can’t get hold of the pill as Kiwis just work the widths and play down the clock. Take a breather Gents.

Taht’s better Kenya. Do the basics. Kayange thunders down the middle, gives a great offload/pass and Injera has all the room he needs to cut the defeecit. 12-7. We have a riproaster of a game here. Lawrenc’s error gifts ball to Nyikuli who releases Kayange. Kick is good. Kenya lead 14-12! Raikabula makes a stunning break and earns a penalty, eventually with huge numbers it’s Souness who casually goes in to seal the New Zealand win.

Result: New Zealand 17 – Kenya 14

12:14
The Kiwis will still be having nightmares about their losses to the Kenyans last season in San Diego and Hong Kong. If they can shut down Kenyan flyer Collins Injera then surely NZ will have too much? Sherwin Stowers was the star yesterday going over 7 times. I just love the balance of this side and think they can go all the way today. Winner to play Fiji.

“We will have to step up our performance against Kenya in the quarterfinals. They are a team that have beaten us twice this year so it’s going to be a tough contest,” said NZ coach Tietjens.

12:05
Cup QF – Fiji v South Africa

Ryder tries to jink his way out of his 22 but throws a loose pass that gets snaffled by Stick. Ball recycled and that predator Benjamin goes in. 5-0 to Boks. Fiji earn themselves a penalty, but stupidly it is reversed for some minor ‘afters’. It’s all Ryder, he chips ahead and shows sublime gas to beat the SA cover and touchdown. 5-5. Knife edge etc. Drinks.

More Ryder magic. His stop n go fixes two men an inside ball to Kolinisau hits Lutumailagi under the sticks. 12-5 to Fiji.T his is awesome, Fiji press with amazing physicality but the Boks hold on and earn a penalty. Brilliant Fiji hands playing NBA basketball with Ryder’s cross kick keeping it alive. Turnover time and Fiji win it with Votu going blind!! Fiji into the Cup semi-final. What a game, I LOVE SEVENS!

Result: Fiji 17 –South Africa 5

11:42
South Africa/Fiji. Almost a shame that these two have to meet in the QF stage, this is going to be mega! In recent tussles (Edinburgh, World Games) the Fijians have strangled the life out of the Blizbokke. Head to head it doesn’t get much closer in the WSS: Played 33, (SA 16)& Fiji (17). TheBoks usually start clicking the gears at this stage but can they keep Ryder, Tuwai, Vucago quiet?

“It’s obviously not ideal to play a team like Fiji in the quarterfinals but if you want to win a tournament you’re going to have to play them at some stage so it might as well be now,” said South African captain Paul Delport.

11:41
Bowl semi-finals:
Wales v USA
France v Zimbabwe

Shield semi-finals:
Portugal v Scotland
Russia v Arabian Gulf

11:40
Bowl Update: Russia/France. Russia have tried their socks off in every game they have played and have actually causedall sides some problems. France had to score two late tries to see off the Russian threat 22-21. Another great tussle for a spot in the Bowl SF between Zimbabwer and hosts Arabian Gulf. AG were trailing by two points and mucked up an attacking line-out that saw Zims score late. 28-19.

11:32
Stumpy Update: Don't know where he ended up last night but he woke me coming in last night without any of his female lederhosen outfit on. Don't ask. The cross-dressing continues today apparantly as he has opted for the Geri Halliwell Spice Girl Union Jack dress. Crowd are trickling in slowly, fair to say the discothèques would have been dominated last night.

11:00
Bowl Update: First up we saw an all Celtic clash as World Champs Wales, whose new young side made a decent fist of it yesterday, just had a bit too much in their locker for Scotland. Portugal/USA were up next and despite it finishing 0-0 after the 14 minutes it was actually riveting stuff with both sides stubbornly holding out. That was until former NFL and American Football player Leonard Peters went over for the winning 'golden try' score. What a time to open your IRB Sevens try account!

10:46
Some geek filled statistics from yesterday’s play courtesy of ‘Statto Sean’ and his team. They give an interesting indicator from yesterdays play:

There wasn’t one yellow card all day. Perhaps an indicator of the fair play and spirit this great sport is played in. 15-a-side rugby take note?

New Zealand made the most tackles (62) but also scored the most tries. Illustrates their counter attacking prowess and ability to score from anyway.

South Africa topped the Passes/Try Strike Rate charts, 65 passes with 15 tries a rate of 4.3. Nerdy stuff indeed but just shows you how clinical they were.

Overall 154 tries scored an average of 6.4 per game. Again makes a refreshing change from the mind boggling kicking ping pong of international 15-a-side rugby.

10:35
Here are those line-ups or you just in case you didn’t check out the goings on from the first day of the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series season.

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

Bowl:
Wales v Scotland
Portugal v USA
Russia v France
Zimbabwe v Arabian Gulf
10:18
Good morning from a sun soaked Dubai! It is day two here of the IRB Sevens and what a treat we have with some juicy quarter-finals and monster matchups.

We’ve come to expects upsets galore on the IRB Sevens but the top seeds weren’t in a charitable mood yesterday with the leading 8 sides all safely through to the Cup last 8, by finishing in the top two of their pools yesterday. The third and fourth placed teams will be battling it out in the Bowl.