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Robin Heymann, Adelaide

Wales and USA caused two massive shocks on the opening day’s play of the Adelaide Sevens, the fifth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series. 

The other top seeds all won through comfortably, with Argentina needing a post-hooter conversion to beat Tonga at the picturesque Adelaide Oval.

7000 fans were in attendance on Friday for the first round of Pool matches with the group stages set to be completed on Saturday.

Welsh edge Fiji

Wales were in inspired form against the powerful Fijians, coming back from 12-0 to stun the Islanders. Tries from Tipuric, Morgan, and Daniel gave them a famous 19-12 win.

The Welsh proved clinical with the Fijians uncharacteristically error strewn in the Pool C clash. Last year's Adelaide Cup runners-up Kenya had no problems against Papa New Guinea though, winning 27-7 with Simiyu and Kayange going over for two scores apiece.

Eagles swoop to England win

Al Caravelli’s USA Eagles bettered Wales achievement’s with a rare win against an off-key England in Pool D. Tries from Swiryn, Edwards and Hawkins gave the Americans a two try cushion at the half.

Back came England though with Gollings gathering a trademark chip. But it was Swiryn who broke English hearts when he took advantage of weak tackles to deliver the key blow.

Nick Royle’s late try gave the English hope but they were outplayed eventually losing 21-24. Hosts Australia swept aside the hopes of Nieu in the other Pool D game, with Kimami Situati continuing his fine form with two tries in the 40-5 win.

Boks & Samoa win

Defending Adelaide Sevens champions South Africa put an early injury to Stephen Hunt behind them to secure a regulation 40-0 win over Japan in Pool B. Teenager Sampie Mastriet looked sharp going over for a hat-trick on debut for Paul Treu’s side.

Favourites Samoa survived a brace of tries from France’s Renaud Delmas to register their first win. Leading 09/10 IRB Sevens try-scorer Mikaele Pessamino went over the whitewash twice himself in the 33-12 win.  

Pumas last gasp win

Injury ravaged New Zealand were dominant against Scotland in a 31-0 rout. Despite finishing the game with 5 men, the kiwis are looking in imposing form in Pool A, whilst Stevie Gemmell’s Scots again looked poor.

The tightest fixture of the night saw Argentina scrape past a courageous Tonga 19-17.The Tongans, as they often do on rare IRB Sevens outings, were impressive from the off with scores from Ram and Mateo (2).

A late Salazar try tied things up for the South Americans though and Joaquin Todeschini’s post-assisted conversion gave the Pumas a slender win. The Tongans, who have been getting assistance from Wallaby legend David Campese, will take heart from their performance going into tomorrow’s fixtures. 

Day 1 'As it Happened' via UR7s Live Text
 

Friday IRB Adelaide Sevens  Results:

Match 1 –Pool B: Samoa 33 France 12

Match 2 –Pool B: South Africa 40 Japan 0

Match 3 –Pool C: Fiji 12 Wales 19

Match 4 –Pool C: Kenya 27 Papua New Guinea 7

Match 5 –Pool A: New Zealand 31 Scotland 0

Match 6 –Pool A: Argentina 19 Tonga 17

Match 7 –Pool D: England 21 USA 24

Match 8 –Pool D: Australia 40 Nieu 5