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Live Text Commentary
2009 IRB George Sevens - Day 1

Robin Heymann has made his way from Dubai to South Africa's Garden Route for the second leg of the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series - The George Sevens. Follow all the action from Outeniqua Park (11-12th December) as Robin keeps you informed on all the goings both on and off the pitch.

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

22:22

James, Spain :

Loving the coverage on UR7s. Shame the Aussies got thrashed at the end. Samoa and Fiji just look awesome this year. Can’t wait to follow tomorrow

22:17

Outeniqua Park is emptying slowly. Expect the Bar(s?) in George to be hit hard tonight as these rugby loving folk discuss how the Boks can overcome Fiji tomorrow. Thanks for joining me again boys and girls. I enjoyed that. And we get to do it all again tomorrow. Ciao for now and enjoy you Friday night wherever you are in the globe x

22:14

Another long day but exciting one. The highlights? Russia's draw with Australia. Samoa and Fiji's brutal physicality and skill, USA’s guts against Samoa and Sherwin Stowers of New Zealand.

Paul Treu labelled Fiji his bogey side after South Africa's loss to them in Dubai. The hosts have to avoid that bogey tomorrow if they have any hope in defending their title. It's going to be another thrilling set of quarter-finals. Anyone's guess. I think Fiji, New Zealand, and Samoa are the slight front runners though.

22:14

Another long day but exciting one. The highlights? Russia's draw with Australia. Samoa and Fiji's brutal physicality and skill, USA’s guts against Samoa and Sherwin Stowers of New Zealand.

Paul Treu labelled Fiji his bogey side after South Africa's loss to them in Dubai. The hosts have to avoid that bogey tomorrow if they have any hope in defending their title. It's going to be another thrilling set of quarter-finals. Anyone's guess. I think Fiji, New Zealand, and Samoa are the slight front runners though.

22:12

Another long day but exciting one. The highlights? Russia's draw with Australia. Samoa and Fiji's brutal physicality and skill, USA’s guts against Samoa and Sherwin Stowers of New Zealand.

Paul Treu labelled Fiji his bogey side after South Africa's loss to them in Dubai. The hosts have to avoid that bogey tomorrow if they have any hope in defending their title. It's going to be another thrilling set of quarter-finals. Anyone's guess. I think Fiji, New Zealand, and Samoa are the slight front runners though.

22:06

And the Bowl Quarter-Finals:

Zimbabwe v Russia
Scotland v USA
Wales v Tunisia
Portugal v France

22:02

I need to catch my breath after that. Finally we have our Cup Quarter-Finals for tomorrow.

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

21:59

Pool A – South Africa v Kenya

Pulsating stuff as Boks press hard but can’t break the Kenyan line. Injera intercepts but is magnificently hauled down by Afrika who gets on his feet and wins the ball also. But the Boks keep knocking and surely the Kenyans can’t hold? They do courtesy of a penalty and Innocent Simiyu gets away and screams in from 50m! Crowd silent. 7-0 Kenya. Ref getting a hammering from the George faithful. Brilliant from captain Kayange; he picks up some loose ball chips past Stick picks up and steps Afrika. 12-0 to Kenya! Drinks.

Injera thinks he is in again but is hauled down brilliantly by Stick. Is that a turning point? Simiyu is binned now can the Boks capitalise? Just not happening for the Boks, too many passes just not finding their man, they hash it up about 4 times, but play continues and eventually Stick wearily dives in. Missed conversion, a howler. 12-5 to Kenya. Kenya down to 6 again as Kayange is binned as crowd getting stuck in .Somehow Stick is held up as the hooter goes. Boks spread it wide and Helberg score. OMG incredible conversion from touchline from Stick. 12-12 it finishes but Kenya top group through points difference.

Result: South Africa 12 Kenya 12

21:46

Massive Pool A decider to close day 1 off. South Africa/Kenya. The stats don’t tell the story here as they have played each other 22 times with South Africa taking 20 and Kenya 2. The Kenyans just lost out to the Boks in the Plate Semi-Final last week and this could be just as close. Crowd erupt into a few ole,oles and ‘Go Bokke Go’ chants. They want this. Such passion and fervor for their side. Loser plays Fiji, which the Boks definitely don’t want considering their recent record against them. Winner gets Australia.

21:34

Pool B - Fiji v Australia

All Fiji to start with but the Aussies hold firm denying Tuwai, Votu, and Kolinsau. Awesome! Ryder gets it one on one against speed merchant Sills, the little magician’s shimmy completely unbalances his man and he motors in. Ryder is breathtaking. 5-0 to Fiji. Brilliant from Vucago finding himself room then spraying it to Kolinisau who goes over the chalk. 10-0 to Fiji.

Fiji at their very best. Ryder’s initial thrust does some damage, he finds Lutumailagi who scissors with Kolinisau who does his man inside out. 17-0. Aussies don’t have a sniff here when Fiji are this good. Tuwui pirouettes his marker finds Votu who hits Vucago perfectly. 24-0. A sevens lesson this. Fiji just look so comfortable on the ball and a Votu break sucks in more Aussies and Naqelevuki is in easily for 31-0. Monster hit from Votu cutting Phipps in half. Phew bet the Aussies are happy that ordeal is over.

Result: Fiji 31 Australia 0

21:15

We have two quarter-finals set for tomorrow now. England v New Zealand, and Samoa v Argentina.
Fiji/Australia up next. Both are through. It’s just a question on who is going through top of this group. The winners to play either South Africa or Kenya.

21:13

Pool C –New Zealand v Wales

Welsh look right up for this and put a the squeeze on but the Kiwis have the ball and that usally means points...right on cue Lawrence jinks his man to get his side going 5-0 to NZ. But Wales aren’t going to roll over like a pussycat here and they hussle at the breakdown and Groves gives a lovely weighted ball to Beck who roars in much to the crowd’s pleasure. 5-5. Have a breather.

It’s not rocket science for the Kiwis. Keep the ball and they have so many dangerous runners they are bound to score. Stowers literally slices open a gap with incredible speed to get the Kiwis in front. Frightening acceleration. 10-5 NZ. Deja-vu?! He really is the difference-Stowers again breaking tackles and scurries under the H. 17-5 to NZ. But Alex Cuthbert is Wales’ version of Stowers and he gets a gem of an offload off from Davies and is in from 40m. 17-10. That’s how it remains.

Result: New Zealand 17 Wales 10

20:57

Both these sides are fighting for 2nd place after losing to Samoa today. If this year is about setting the record straight for New Zealand then a beat down of the Welsh might just be in their script for today.

The Welsh stunned them twice last season and for the likes of Forbes, Lawrence, and Cama (who got a red card when they played in Wellington) it’s revenge. The crowd are certainly on the Welsh side but it could be another steep learning curve for Paul John’s newbies. If they can turn the Kiwis over they would be making the Cup quarters with the Kiwis in the Bowl...

20:54

Mule Update: The Mule is enjoying this. It’s an amazing sunset now in amongst the mountains. He also likes how the Kiwis trot into the changing room pre-game with their arms all touching each other’s shoulders and how the Pumas do a similar thing but grab the corner of the shirts instead. Unique little nuances that we get in International Sevens.

20:53

Pool D – Scotland v England

Easy does it. Gollings flips it inside to Norton who effortlessly glides away for his second of the tournament. 5-0 to Eng. Ball falls loose to Caprice, who is starting ahead of Barrett in this one, he jinks Shaw and scores. 12-0. England are sloppy at the breakdown and Scots pinch it, Jericevich makes yards and eventually Anderson gets on the end of a flowing move. 12-7 England. Damu, all arms and legs, is so damn good at sucking in men, he does it again and puts away Brightwell. 19-7 @ drinks.

Scott Forrest straight from the re-start goes on a mazy run after being put in by Turnbull and the Scots have another back, 19-12. More Damu work he’s on fire here carving up the middle then floating one to Gollings for his 82nd IRB try. 24-12 England. The English just can’t put this to bed as Caprice telegraphs a pass and Adamson goes over. 24-19 still to England and Ben Ryan nervously chews his fingers nails. But he needn’t worry as Damu again sucks in a couple of men and gives Norton another. Time.

Result: Scotland 19 England 29

20:31

None of this ‘Auld Enemy’ stuff here as England and Scotland actually get on well in the circuit. They ‘scrimmage’ together and coaches Ryan and Gemmell compare notes – doesn’t mean it’s not ultra competitive when the two of the play though. In London in May it was England who took it but they spectacularly blew up against the Scots a week later in Murrayfield. Scots might be struggling but think this could be close. England’s point difference is too big realistically for Argentina to steal top spot in Pool D.

20:31

Into the last four matches and an African marching band strutt their stuff onto the Pitch keeping the crowd amused as the lights are switched and atmosphere bubbles. We can start looking ahead to the quarter-final match ups now. South Africa, Kenya, Fiji, Australia, England, Argentina are all through. New Zealand need to beat Wales to confirm their route through...

20:21

Right a Pool A game to tell you about. Zimbabwe's Cheetahs have beaten France for the second time ever, 31-5. That puts them in third place. Unbeaten South Africa tackle Kenya later for top honours though in this Pool. Should be a cracking all-African affair. Paul Treu was in a philisophical mood down in the press room earlier:

"We are playing with a lot more composure, slowing it all down and are calmer then we were in Dubai. It will take time with this relative new set of players," said Treu.

20:09

Mule Update: Mule has been spotted with some of the Kenyan fans jigging to the music here at George. A mix of cheesy 90's trance with a sprinkling of Craig David and a dabble of Dizee Rascal some of the highlights here over the last 8 hours...

20:00

Pool B - Portugal v Russia

Advantage Russia. They are playing some decent stuff here, stringing a few passes together and immediately Shugay is streaking away from his man. 5-0. Much the same as good work from Trishin feeds Perov and he’s no slouch freeing himself from Foro to make this 12-0 to Russia. So far so good in their quarter-final bid.

Costa gives Portugal a life-line here with a try for Portugal. We have a ball game on our hands as Miranda’s chip and chase bears fruit. 14-12 to Portugal. Every point is crucial in this group. Portugal soak up a load of pressure and Goncalo Foro breaks away to finish this one off. 21-12. Portugal now in the cup quarter-final mix?

Result: Portugal 21 Russia 12

19:59

Of course it was this time a year ago Portugal announced themselves on the world circuit topping their group on day and reaching their first cup quarter. They are struggling a bit here rooted at the bottom of Pool B. They were brilliant that weekend, taking advantage of the big boys Dubai hangover. As for Russia their undoubted star last weekend was the Irish educated Vasily Artemyev.

"It's (winning the shield) going to do great things for Sevens development in Russia, and we're looking to build on this in South Africa next week. I think rugby in Russia is building all the time.”

They have been awesome today drawing with Australia then pushing Fiji hard in parts. A win here could make things interesting. Can they qualify to make their first cup-quarter?

19:39

Right apologies for the delay. Some minor technical issues. George isn't famed for it's hi-tech state of the art media facilities. Anyway in the Pool D Argentina overcame Tunisia (43-0) to complete their passage to the cup quarters. Samoa left it late in Pool C to beat the USA (10-7) but their win makes sure they top the pool and will play either England or Argentina tomorrow. Lolo Lui hobbled off with what looked like a really nasty knee injury...will keep you updated.

19:20

Mule Update: The Mule went walkabout for a couple of hours, exploring the town, meeting some locals and grazing some hay. George is pretty small let me tell you. There’s a nice feel around the stadium he says as players are mingling with fans the warm-up areas are particularly getting attention as the fans can get up real close to see this guys going through drills and hitting some pads. Beautiful evening sunshine and the Mule is now chilling with a cold Heineken in hand happy as Larry enjoying the show. You take it easy down there big guy.

18:44

Kenya and South Africa through to the cup quarter-finals. They play each other later tonight, the last game of the day to decide who tops Pool A...

18:42

Pool A – Kenya v France

Kenya controlling this one but fair play to the French who are hanging onto their tackles. Mini-break from Kayange opens it up though and the captain feeds his vice-captain Gibson Weru for an early Kenyan lead. Now it’s the flying Collins Injera going in twisting his man up in knots. Another try to the Shujaa makes this look easy pickings for Kenya 21-0 up @ drinks. France just can’t get going.

Kenya lot their way a bit this half. Playing a bit of basketball but with no rhythm and structure. Asego though who has worked his socks off to be fair to him breaks out and guess who is on his right shoulder; Try for Injera. Standard. 28-0. Better France as Sinzelle bobs and weaves his man to eat up 50m and the score is 28-7. Kayange puts the icing on this one, going blind then standing up Canivet. 33-7.

Result: Kenya 33 France 7

18:28

Massive 14 mins for Benjamin Ayimba and his Kenyan side now. They can’t afford to slip up here against the French. It’s time for experienced campaigners such as Odour, Weru, and Simiyu to step up. There almost seems to be an over reliance on Kayange and Injera. Would love to see a stat for the percentage of tries those two contribute to this side.

South Africa Sevens Trivia: A year ago South Africa had still never won their home leg on the IRB Sevens Circuit. That all changed in 2008 though when the Boks overcame New Zealand 12-7 in emotional scenes at Outeniqua Park.

18:22

Pool A – South Africa v Zimbabwe

Frenetic stuff this as SA going hammer and tong but Zims hold firm. Delport is leading his troops from the front but the pocket rocket just can’t get over. Zims have hardly touched it but when they do it’s Gerald Sibanda sprinting 80m for a try. 5-0 to Zims. Big bad Frankie Horne has a rumble and he sucks in 3 cheetahs creating room from MJ Mentz to tie this up 5 apiece at half-time.

The fans urge them forward. Love their passion and Schoeman shows cracking speed for a golden oldie and Boks up 10-5. Afrika loves that blindside scamper from the breakdown, needless to say he’s under the H. 17-5 to Boks. Deon Helberg who came unscathed from a plane incident earlier this week gets on the end two sweeping SA moves to make it 29-5. Training ground stuff this for South Africa.

Result: South Africa 29 Zimbabwe 5

18:09

Some electricity ripples around Outeniqua Park now and it’s because their beloved Blitzbokke are taking to the stage, where they meet the Cheetahs from Zimbabwe. The Boks just about overcame them in Namibia in a pre-season tune up a few months ago. But the IRB Sevens Series holders look really pumped up to me today. I can’t see them being beaten...this lot would lynch them otherwise.

17:59

Mike, USA :
Don’t think England can overcome the Kiwis and Samoans at the mo. Just seen the trailer about this new Clint Eastwood film Invictus about the 1995 World Cup - Morgan Freeman as Mandela, and Matt Damon as Pienaar!! Amazing!

Charlie, London :
Re 17:25 – So the Kiwis will qualify if they beat NZ later? (How does that work!) Should be a cracker. Hope you’re well bud. Your live ‘chat’ is getting me through the day (office Christmas party last night).

Yeah chill out Charlie, it's a tough gig doing this solo. Edited and sort of appreciate your 'chat' as well. xox

17:56

Pool B – Australia v Portugal.

Portugal press hard here and some slack Aussie tackling gifts a score for Dias. Crowd erupt (warming up for the Boks on next). Australia have to hold out here but Portugal press. Turnover time though and Phipps hits Karauria-Henry who skates away impressivel. 5-5. Foro has a dart but is bundled out by Foley. Drinks.

Miranda now puts a cheeky little nudge through and Sills cleans up but it’s an attacking line-out and great territory for Portugal. Supreme turnover from McCutcheon and Foley’s burst is ably supported by try-machine Sills who gets the Aussies in front 14-5. Portuguese running out of puff and Coleman with a swerve of the hips and accelerator down extends the Aussie lead to 21-5. That’s how it remains.

Result: Australia 21 Portugal 5

17:46

Right massive game this. The winner of Australia/Samoa could be joining Fiji through in the cup-quarters. But saying that this group is so tight I don’t know what to predict. Real anti-Australia vibe here from the local Saffas and after their 14-14 draw with Russia earlier it’s do or die time. Portugal got thumped earlier by Ryder and Co. This will be more to their liking though.

17:36

Pool B – Fiji v Russia

Er what?! Russia streak into the lead snaffling up a Russian error and Igor Galinvskiy creeps in on the far side. Brilliant conversion makes it 7-0 to Russia. Ryder is just so skilful; he executes a brilliant one handed reverse flick 30 yards, then moments later cuts in off his favoured left foot and bursts 70m for the score 7-7. Setefano Cakau breaks out and Vucago, who is the master of being in the right place at the right time, gets a pass of his mate and is in. 14-7. Have Russia’s resistance been broken?

Fiji sleeping and they let it bounce form the re-start, error. Perov for Russia gets it instead and he’s over! Conversion missed though, so Fiji edge it 14-12. Russians running out of steam as Vucago injects some urgency and spreads it wide to Lutumailagi whose power is enough. 19-12 Fiji. Ryder is so sharp, streaking away from Vucago’s pass. 24-12. Ryder sublime footballing ability spotting no sweeper his left foot chip gives him room and his Cristiano Ronaldo dribbling gets him a hat-trick.

Result: Fiji 31 Russia 12

17:25

So Samoa cruise into the Quarters and the Kiwis will join them from Pool C if they beat Wales later. The biggest shock of the day so far was Russia's draw with Australia. Awesome stuff. But now they have to tackle the Fijians, tough break. Some of these Fijians dwarf their Russian counterparts. I love Russia’s attitude and heart but that might not be enough here. Can lightening strike twice?!

17:14

Pool C Wales v Samoa

Wales pressuring hard here but the Samoans just look in control. They get an early try when again the support work is superb and relative veteran these days Levasa is in. Impressive organisation from Samoa in defense and the Welsh just can’t get through. Turnover and Lui has a stroll over the line unopposed. 12-0 @ drinks.

Aiona is a pretty big unit and he punctures a hole in the heart of the Welsh line and has the fleet of foot to accelerate away straight after the break. 19-0. The Welsh are trying their guts out here but just can’t get themselves in the mix, constantly being enveloped. Psychotic hit from Fa’osiliva on Tiperic and that hurt both of them. From scrum-time the ball is spun wide to Pesamino who canters in to polish this off at 26-0.

Result: Wales 0 Samoa 26

17:03

Stephan Beetham’s Samoans can take charge of this group here. They have been so impressive thus far this season. Physical with outrageous ability in the offload. With the legendary Mai retired, the Samoans needed someone to step up and Lolo Lui did that in Dubai. He scores tries and he’s the best in the business at converting them. This guy will nudge them over from everywhere. Match-winner. Those extra two points could win these guys a lot of games this year. Wales have the tools to disrupt them here though they just need a good start to push for that cup quarter-final place.Samoa/Wales.

17:02

Pool C – New Zealand v USA

Zar Lawrence so often an unsung hero for the space he puts guys into his having a trot on the wing for a couple of phases, he gets it from Cama and strides away for 84th try on the IRB Sevens, Great hits from Edwards and Ata Malifa but the Blacks just have too much support and Stowers dots over. 12-0. Cama comes up the middle is hauled down but the support work comes in floods and Arnold gets his second of the day, 19-0 to NZ @ drinks.

Kiwis keep this going in relentless fashion. They build and with some pinpoint passing Cama gets it and feeds Cama who straightens and scores. 26-0. Interception! ‘Lakke’ from Stowers who cruises in past a hapless US defence. Paul Grant so often does the donkey work and he makes a score for sub Auva’a. Buxton Popoalii isa hugely rated but can’t get a start with Stowers around, he gets some room in his 22 and scorches away here though. Popoalii and Arnold get two more breakaways 55-0. Brutal stuff I’m afraid for the US.

Result: New Zealand 55 USA 0

16:57

South Africa Sevens Trivia: South Africa uniquely have a full-time Sevens set-up with a number of players solely contracted by SA Sevens. Their base is Stellenbosch University. It is a model which is already being replicated by other nations.

Mule Update: The mule has been mixing well with the South African fans making friends and claims he has some numbers from some pretty ladies. I must say some of the eye candy floating around Outeniqua Park is pretty handy! Not as much fancy-dress as the others tournaments but the Kenyans are here in force with a nice pocket of supporters who are making a good din.

16:35

Twitter: cuznwal@UR7sLiveText great I love these updates. I'm in LA keep em coming.

England head to the last 8 but i'm not sure they are quite at a Samoan, Fiji, and New Zealand level yet.

Talking of the Kiwis, they are on now against the US of A. Sherwin Stowers caused quite a stir in Dubai. Dismissed by the Super 14 franchises e his scintillating form so far almost makes a mockery of the decision. Still at least it means we get to watch on the World Series instead. Singling out any Kiwis seems wrong, because like the Boks they epitomise teamwork with everyone performing their assigned role with no fuss. Great experience this for the US guys to meet the blacks. Can they give them a push?

16:32

Pool D – England v Argentina

Pumas off to a flyer. Bottini make a mini-break feeds Fradua who in turn pops to Passerotti. 5-0 Arg. England push hard and that’s some lovely magic from Damu whose underarm flick almost scores. Patient from England, Damu and Cracknell the architects and that man Wade the finisher. 7-7. Has Wade been tackled yet today?! Scrappy period of play takes us up to drinks.

Norton and Wade continue look to sharp. Ball is recycled and Damu is shimmying and handing off his man for a try. 12-7 to the ‘Engeerlaand’. Smash. Massive hit by Cracknell breaks up an Argentina attack but it’s not really happening for England; all a bit stop-start with no depth. Finally they get some clean ball and it’s spun wide to Cracknell who draws his man and Wade gets another. 17-7.

Result: England 17 Argentina 7

16:10

This two played out an epic one in the quarters last weekend. The Pumas just don’t know when to lie down and it took Sevens’ Superman – Ben Gollings – to save the day for England. It always seems to be close between these two...heads to heads. Potential Pool A Decider this one? Let’s play. England/Arg.

16:08

Pool D - Scotland v Tunisia

Early Scottish try from Turnbull settles nerves but then it's a familar pattern for the Scots as are just not clincila enough to get over that line. Shaw, O'Hare and Tait do well and eventually the jinky Peter Jericevich does enough to give the Scots a cushion. But the Tunisians are made of sterner stuff then we give them credit for with Nino getting one back. 12-7 at drinks.

Lee Jones bursts up the line and then steps the Tunisia cover to give the Scots a 19-7 lead. But again they can't push on. Stumbling and messy play. Mazgar powers up the middle nicely for another Tunisia score but Scotland have the last laugh as the reliable Turbull blazes in to put this one to bed for the Scots. They win their first game of the season.

Result: Scotland 19 Tunisia 14

16:01

Right that’s the first round of pool matches, no rest for the wicked or me - not that I’m complaining, it’s a pretty good view from up here. With Pool stage rankings here based on the last two legs of last year, Scotland are actually the top seeds here. They need to start playing like them, ASAP preferably. Nice easy against Tunisia now? Think again, this could be upset territory.

15:40

Pool A - Kenya v Zimbabwe

Lot of pride at stake and it’s ferocious from the off with some brutal exchanges. It’s the Kenyans though who get the ball rolling when he goes blind and buries over the chalk. 5-0. Injera wearing some of the snazziest fluorescent boots ever seen on the circuit, gets put in by Asego and the try-machine gets another. 10-0. Kenyans pressurising their African contemporaries into mistakes. Kayange says ‘thanks very much’ picks up the loose ball for another. 17-0 @ the interval. Toom nay errors for the Cheetahs.

More gift wrapped presents from Zimbabwe who look really ordinary at the moment. Odour gets a rare try from loose ball and so does Injera. Don’t give him a sniff boys. 31-0. Simiyu now gets some room and his curving run is good enough for yet more points. Danger of a tackle Zims? 36-0. School boy defending that as Zims defend a breakdown with no guards. Asego capitalises. 50-0.

Result: Kenya 50 Zimbabwe 0

15:18

Pool A is all about the African flavour with Zimbabwe and Kenya joining the Boks and Frenchies. Zimbabwe were another side who must have been happy with their Dubai opener. Without wanting to sound like Al Pachino, Sevens really is about inches and the Shujaa were 10 seconds away from beating New Zealand in the quarters. For Zims, it’s about Wensley Mbjanje wheels. A match-up with Collins Injera here is worth the admission fee alone.

15:17

Annette Sills, Australia (Clinton Sills’ Mum!):
Here ready & waiting for all the excitement to begin, if you see my son plz say hello, the little toe-rag!

Paul, Cape Town:
C’mon the Boks, good to see the Kiwis fluff their lines and lose their first match of the 2009/10 season.

15:16

Pool A – South Africa v France

Boks start off like a steam train with the rampant support willing them on. Afrika finally gets a start and repays his coach with a nice try up the middle and when Minnaar goes blind a minute later its 14-0. Loose French ball, swallowed by Horne who put away Stick for another. 19-0 Boks. The dreadlocked Afrika was a bit hesitant in Dubai- not the case here, he accelerates right through for a score and Stick gets one more too. Plus facile non?! 33-0 @ drinks.

Cheers for coming France. Delmas finally gets the Frenchies up on the board gassing his man for a score under the H. 33-7 to the Boks. Off-loading is good for France as Cabot scores another. 33-14. Boks have made a bit of a meal off this half. Now it’s Delport switching play and spinning a beauty out to Afrika but it’s a forward-pass. Afrika gets that third try soon after though, going blind from a scrum. 38-14.

Result: South Africa 38 France 14

14:55

First look at the hosts. It’s tough at the top. You’re there to be shot at. Other things seem to be conspiping against Paul Treu. Inuries (Powell) and discipline problems (Benjamin) haven’t helped the Dubai quarter-finalists.

For France much the same as always it seems on the IRB Circuit. They just never seem to make the headlines and remain pretty anonymous. But wait ooh laa laa! Rumour has it the French played the prima donna card upon arrival here, storming out of their hotel in a huff as it wasn’t quite Dubai 6*. Priceless. Play like rockstars before behaving like ones.

14:53

Wow what a result that was. How far have Russia come!? Brilliant. The Boks are up next and the crowd's electricity ripples around the park.

South Africa Sevens Trivia: Bok Coach Paul Treu represented South Africa as a 7s player in 24 IRB tournaments, including the World Cup Sevens in 2001 before a knee injury ended his international career in 2002. He scored 70 tries.

14:53

Pool B - Australia v Russia

Lovely delayed pass from Sefanaia gives Ed Quirk a good early score from OZ. Quickly followed up by that man Sill who picks a good inside line to go in unopposed. 14-0. Awesome hand-off from the Russian Yanyuskin and his ball inside to Shugay gets his side on the board. 14-7. Aussie press but the Russians are hassling and hurrying them into errors. Cracking stuff. Take a breather.

More Aussie errors and Russia persist with kicking penalities to touch relying on their well oiled set-piece to give them some territory. Both sides happy to use the boot it’s pretty fractured stuff if i’m honest. Russia have a chance as it’s hoofed on and the Aussies choke/spill it on their line and Artemyev touches down! Russia 14- Australia 14, unbelievable! Crowd going nuts. It’s a draw!!

Result: Australia 14 Russia 14

14:36

Two of the success stories from last weekend. Russian rugby seems to be really on the up and they fully deserved taking the Shield in Dubai. Great energy and the flying Vasily Artemyev who went over the chalk an impressive eight times. Clinton Sills for Australia went one better though scoring nine times. They were a whisker away from making the cup semi-finals but were heroic in beating South Africa for the Plate, reversing their defeat to them on Day 1.

14:33

Pool B – Fiji v Portugal

Fiji capitalise on a sin binning for Tavare (refs seem to be clamping down from last week). Kolinisau cuts in past his man for 5-0 to Fiji. Hugo Valente?! The stocky Portugese number 12 goes on a mazy run showing cracking speed. 5-5. That didn’t last long. The one and only William Ryder stands up Foro and blazes in to give Fiji a 12-7 lead. Fiji find their feet and Lutumailagi pivots and finds Votu nicely. 17-7. Ryder does that unreadable exaggerated step and pops to his captain, Vucago. 24-7.

Phenomenal tracking back from Miranda saves a try and the Portuguese earn themselves a penalty, they need to get some territory though ASAP. Portugal start making a hash of their handling and it’s as if they are playing to the Benny Hill music, Lutumailagi sees a loose ball and Fiji are up 31-7. Tuwai (2) and new-comer to the squad Naqelevuki adds scores, simply a case of too much pace and power, and the fifty is up 50-7. Battering for Portugal.

Result: Fiji 50 Portugal 7

14:22

Fiji produced arguably the performance of the weekend when they knocked South Africa out in the quarters in Dubai. Brutish power from their big men with wizardry from William Ryder and Emosi Vucago. They were chopped down time after time by New Zealand in the semis though but don’t count against them taking the 24 points this weekend. Portugal won’t be easy though, they chase everything like terriers.

14:10

Weather Update: Pretty sunny with a smidgeon of cloud in the air today. Even though it is summer here it’s a bit chillier then in Dubai. In summary, it’s pretty ideal for some Bollinger laden Sevens.

Keep the emails coming in guys - livetext@ur7s.com

I'll get some up when i get a moment.

14:09

Pool C – Wales v USA

Scrappy one this to start with as both sides play at a frenetic pace but with little structure. Wales work it nicely though out to winger Chris Morgan who pulls away from Pulu. 5-0. Not for long though and now it’s Pulu making amends a la Pesamino in the last match. A cross-kick from Malifa is picked up Pulu and he jazz dances the Welsh sweeper. 7-5 to the US.

Jevon Groves increasingly making himself a key cog for Wales so far this season and he’s in early here. 10-7 Wales. The US just don’t want to lie down, showing some real dog as Pulu goes up the blind side to give his side a 14-12 lead. Have Wales taken out this see-saw battle? Patient build up from the World Champs eventually puts Evans into some room and he has too much for the US cover. 15-12 to Wales.

Result: Wales 15 USA 12

13:51

Wales/States.These two met last weekend also, with Wales’ impressive young guns having too much for the US on their march to the Bowl. Watch out for rangy runner Alex Cuthbert; rapido and caused all teams some issues in the desert. USA boss Al Caravelli’s had to deal with some serious injury issues in Dubai. In comes 15s captain Todd Clever who is now based in these parts and speedster Zach Test. They showed some good ticker in their extra-time win over Portugal in Dubs though.

13:46

Pool C – New Zealand v Samoa

Storming Sherwin Stowers picks up where he left off in Dubai. One-on-one with Pesamino, he motors around him and is in. 5-0. Pesamino amends immediately cutting up the middle then just shifting past the NZ sweeper and Samoa lead 7-5. Now it’s Fa’osiliva dummying and smashing past 3 men, Lui converts as always and Samoa lead 14-5. Amazing stuff! Samoa completely in control and with the clock ticking Lui casually drills a drop kick from 40m! 17-5 Samoa @ drinks.

Ridiculous rugby from Samoa. Aiona chips the NZ line picks up flings it to Pesamino and superb support eventually sees Levasa in. Back come NZ and predictably in times of crisis in 7s it’s a case of give it to your speedster. Hence Stowers is put in some room and he closes the defecit with a top try. Penalty New Zealand and they work it right to left and Raikabula is in. 24-15 still to Samoa. Arnold pulls another back for NZ but Samoa hold out..just!

Result: New Zealand 22 Samoa 24

13:27

There’s no messing about with the IRB Sevens is there?! Third game in and we have a rerun of that Dubai final. New Zealand and Samoa trot out onto Outeniqua Park. Despite finishing runners-up in Dubai the pacific islanders were the major success story of last weekend, mixing a supreme blend of physicality with ruthless finishing. Lui, Pesamino (scored his 100th IRB try last week) and Mikaele all brilliant. But they ran into a Kiwi juggernaut that wasn’t stopping for anyone. Which team has recovered the quickest?

13:26

South Africa Sevens Trivia: Springbok legends like Bobby Skinstad, Bryan Habana, Breyton Paulse, Chester Williams, and Joost van der Westhuizen have all played represented their country in the 7s arena.

13:25

Pool D – England v Tunisia

First start for the exciting Christian Wade and he makes yards, Damu ‘stop n starts’ and makes room for Abbott. 7-0 England. Tunisians are holding on and captain Barrett reverses it and fizzes a flat ball into Abbott. 12-0. Cheers. More penalties and Wade gets it in his own 22. He jinks, he steps, he accelerates, he scores. 19-0. Norton now finds oceans of space and the numbers are ticking. 26-0. Wade gets more ball, nothing on really but he simply puts himself into 4th gear and extends this thing to 33-0 at drinks.

Really nice that. Sub Caprice scoots past his man cuts in then delivers a textbook long arcing pass to Mr. Gollings for 38-0. Norton almost butchers a certain try but neat hands from Gollings feeds a hungry Nick Royle who scores, for 45-0. A Gollings sin bin can’t stop England as the ref Taizo blows it up. Rather forgettable half that. Still no tries conceded will please Ben Ryan immensely.

Result: England 45 Tunisia 0

13:02

Right first look at the English. Ben Ryan was pretty content with his side’s semi-final run last week. He blooded players and they stood but just ran into their ‘nemesis’ in Samoa at the England coach coined it. Norton and Royle were superb. These two met in the World Cup back in March when the Tunisians late comeback almost caused a huge scare. Don’t expect this to be so close though. England/Tunisia...

13:01

Pool D – Scotland v Argentina

First blood to the Pumas as Olivari’s break on the far side feeds Piccaluga and it is 5-0 from the off to the Pumas. Same old story for the Scots, ball not bouncing right and it’s unforced errors time for them. Todeschini is in to double Arg’s lead. Better from the Scots. Clean crisp passes from them and full-timer Shaw burns his man to make this a 10-5 ball game at drinks.

Valiant gritty stuff as always from the Scots as they go knocking, but the Pumas line doesn’t want to let them in. Bruzzone, who impressed last week, makes a break but when it’s recycled they make a hash of a kick and it remains 10-5 to Arg. Olivari nudges it through a minute later and Parlatore is in. 15-5 to the Argies, and that could be it. It is.

Result: Scotland 5 Argentina 15

12:50

Right guys, we have our first pool match, Scotland/Argentina. The Pumas with a new squad can be pretty satisfied with their weekend’s work in Dubai. Reaching the last 8, they suffered the heartache of a England’s Ben Golling’s golden extra-time try to send them into the plate where they lost out to the Aussies. The same can’t be said about the Scots. After finishing 08/09 on a high, they went winless in Dubai only scrapping a 17-17 against Zimbabwe’s Cheetah’s on Day 1.

12:41

Yes Stumpy? Where is that absolute flaming galah, who just loves skiving work (big American investment bank beginning with C) to follow the IRB Sevens party? Well even he couldn’t take more time off work so instead i’ve roped in ‘The Mule’ to give me some updates from around George this weekend. He’s a pretty special creature himself so watch out for the Mule Updates.

12:40

George couldn’t differ more from Dubai. The desert, skyscrapers, ridiculous taxi journeys, ridiculous beer prices, dressing up, and the ‘glitz n glam’ are but a distant memory. George is a low key gorgeous little town with the stadium here, Outeniqua Park, holding a capacity of 10,000. This is Sevens going back to the old skool; the grassroots. Passionate rugby fans that aren’t particularly keen to get fancy dressed up with the likes of Stumpy but will watch each game intensely. It’s different, but I like it.

12:40

Shock Predictions?: Right I’ve never done this before but feel it might be fun to predict upsets. As Nigel Starmer-Smith, aka ‘Starmers/Starmo’ would say the beauty of this sport is it’s ‘glorious unpredicatability’. Right me and a couple of journos here reckon, Tunisia can shock the Scots? Wales to suprise Samoa? Portugal to beat Australia? And me to get a very numb backside sitting on this plastic slab.

12:31

Right some admin. Got to be done I’m afraid.

Today sees the Pool matches. For day 1 its four pools of four teams. The top two from each group after today head straight to the cup-quarters, that’s tomorrow morning. The rest battle it out for Plate, Bowl, and the Shield.

George Pools:
Pool A: South Africa, Kenya, France, Zimbabwe
Pool B: Fiji, Australia, Portugal, Russia
Pool C: New Zealand, Wales, Samoa, United States
Pool D: Scotland, England, Argentina, Tunisia

12:30

Ok enough of the lame attempts to speak Afrikaans . Beats my A-Team stuff I came up with at last week in Dubai for the first leg of the Series. Yes Dubai, it was only a week ago we were all in the desert witnessing New Zealand ram their critics words back down their throats. Tietjens’ men were magnificently clinical in going unbeaten to take the title and the 24 points.

12:22

Howzit bru!? Welkom! If you hadn’t guessed I’m in South Africa. Why you ask? That’s because it’s the second leg of the 2009/10 Sevens World Series in George, and that’s what I do. It’s a jol ya…

11:28

Coverage to start 12:15 local time...