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more »Hong Kong Sevens Day 1: Major contenders unblemished
The leading challengers on the IRB Sevens World Series all went safely unharmed on the opening day’s play at the Hong Kong Sevens.
Samoa, New Zealand, and Fiji all possessed far too much for their rivals, whilst England looked thoroughly convincing in their 45-0 win over hosts Hong Kong.
Asian Series winners Japan pushed Wales all the way in a 12-10 thriller but the world champions survived. Adelaide Sevens runner-up USA edged Portugal and South Africa withstood the threat of Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs at the Hong Kong Stadium.
The Pool stages culminate tomorrow with the Cup, Plate, Bowl, and Shield stages finishing on Sunday. 30 IRB points are up for grabs for the major winners in So Kon Poh.
Samoa start strongly
Red hot Samoa started where they left off in Adelaide cruising to a 40-12 win. Ofisa Treviranus grabbing a brace and Mikaele Pesamino grabbing his 40th of the campaign. European champions Russia pushed Argentina all the way and despite a late Artemyev score, the Pumas edged it 19-12.
"We were happy with the win (against Italy) but in saying that we have a lot of things to work on, I thought we went off the boil a bit at the start and came on again in the second half,” said Samoa coach Stephen Betham speaking to the IRB.
Argentina held off a physical Russian outfit in the other Pool A fixture, with the Pumas winning 19-12.
Kiwis positive
New Zealand were quickly into their stride putting away Chinese Taipei 59-5. Zar Lawrence a constant nuisance and Save Tokula looked dangerous crossing twice. France edged past Scotland 12-7 with danger man Renaud Delmas second half score proving decisive.
Fiji brutal win over Thailand
Fiji proved far too powerful and elusive for Thailand, a Stefano Cakau hat-trick doing the damage in the 82-7 mismatch, the second biggest winning margin in IRB Sevens history. USA were made to work by Portugal but Kevin Swiryn's late score after a double from Matt Hawkins was enough in a 19-10 win.
Aussies pushed by China
Australia found themselves behind 12-7 early on against China thanks to Li Yang’s superb try. But Michael O’Connor’s men fought back superbly with Brackin Karauria-Henry continuing his good form with a couple of scores. The Aussie coach had praise for his opponents after.
"China played particularly well and put on the pressure. They scored a couple of good tries. I thought we controlled possession better in the second half,; said O’Connor.
Canada had to work hard against the always dangerous Tongans but Nathan Hirayama’s try helped get the Maple Leafs to an ideal start in Pool C.
England happy with form
England impressed against hosts Hong Kong, controlling the tempo and looking potent in attack. Two tries for Lindsay-Hague and Nick Royle gave them a 45-0 victory.
"That was a good first run-out and the boys applied themselves well. We came out to dominate and we were good in every facet,” said England captain Ben Gollings.
Japan almost pulled off a stunning win against Wales with Kilryong So giving them hope. But Alex Cuthbert’s 60m dash spared Paul John’s sides blushes at 12-10.
South Africa edge out Cheetahs
Kenya had no problems against Korea and brothers Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera scored two apiece in the 51-7 win. South Africa were pushed hard by Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs but Cecil Afrika’s scores gave last year’s runners-up the victory.
Hong Kong Pools
Pool A: Samoa, Argentina, Russia, Italy
Pool B: New Zealand, Scotland, France, Chinese Taipei
Pool C: Fiji, USA, Portugal, Thailand
Pool D: Australia, Canada, Tonga, China
Pool E: England, Wales, Japan, Hong Kong
Pool F: Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Korea
Day 1 Hong Kong Schedule/Results
Match 1 - Pool A: Samoa 40 Italy 0
Match 2 - Pool B: New Zealand 59 Chinese Taipei 5
Match 3 - Pool C: Fiji 82 Thailand 7
Match 4 - Pool D: Australia 45 China 12
Match 5 - Pool E: England 45 Hong Kong 0
Match 6 - Pool F: Kenya 51 Korea 7
Match 7 - Pool A: Argentina 19 Russia 12
Match 8 - Pool B: Scotland 7 France 12
Match 9 - Pool C: USA 17 Portugal 10
Match 10 - Pool D: Canada 12 Tonga 10
Match 11 - Pool E: Wales 12 Japan 10
Match 12 - Pool F: South Africa 28 Zimbabwe 15
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COMMENTS
Exaud Fri 26 Mar 2010 11:41
good play by kenya
Reply | Report this PostNjeri M. Fri 26 Mar 2010 12:28
Way to go Kenya, I'm soo proud of u.
Reply | Report this Postloto Fri 26 Mar 2010 12:35
Go Manu!!!! Faamalolosi boys, we wish you all da best and God Bless you all !!!!
Reply | Report this Postcaqeua Fri 26 Mar 2010 13:22
well done to fiji,god bless all national teams who took part in this year's HK.
Reply | Report this Postmzalendo Fri 26 Mar 2010 13:22
Well played.....Tuko pamoja!
Reply | Report this Postwanginem Fri 26 Mar 2010 13:29
lets go kenya, lets go!!!!the 30 points are ours for grabs
Reply | Report this Postpanadol Fri 26 Mar 2010 14:02
well done kenya
Reply | Report this PostSETAREKI SOKOTUKIVEI Fri 26 Mar 2010 14:55
Tani Vula, Jope Seniloli,William Koong and Naca Cawanibuka and the Fiji boys led by S.Vucago dont turn back because you know you are the best and dont leave any stones unturned.
SETA...Adelaide
Tani Vula, Jope Seniloli,William Koong and Naca Cawanibuka and the Fiji boys led by S.Vucago dont turn back because you know you are the best and dont leave any stones unturned. SETA...AdelaideReply | Report this PostScrumhalf Connection Fri 26 Mar 2010 14:59
Can we get all of the women's scores? Thanks for the coverage!
Reply | Report this PostAfsheen Ali Fri 26 Mar 2010 16:37
Go Fiji Go.........
Reply | Report this Postleonia isaako Fri 26 Mar 2010 16:38
Go manu samoa your awesome!
Reply | Report this PostMalo taalo manumalo ma le
Loto nu'u ia viia pea le atua.
Ia manuia lava le alo atu I
Isi ta'aloga o le ta'amilosaga
Alofa'aga mai hawaii mo outou
Uma lava le manu samoa.god
Bless you all.
Momoli atu alofa'aga mo leau
I solosolo ma le tapuaiga I
Samoa atoa.
From kava and leonia isaako
PATRICK Fri 26 Mar 2010 17:01
ONLY MY 2ND MISSED SEVENS IN 2O YEARS COME ON ENGLAND
Reply | Report this PostAndayi Morgan Fri 26 Mar 2010 18:14
Well done Shujaa you do us proud
Reply | Report this Postnafu Fri 26 Mar 2010 23:15
go da manu....keep da low profile and make the island proud after the 3rd of the tournament....god bless
Reply | Report this PostSauaiga P Laumatia Sat 27 Mar 2010 01:00
GO MANU GO,,,GOOD LUCK BOYS....ALL THE BEST;;;DO IT....GOD BLESS YOU GUYS
Reply | Report this Postchan Sat 27 Mar 2010 01:37
goooooo new zealand! We all know you are the best team out there!
Reply | Report this Postchan Sat 27 Mar 2010 01:37
goooooo new zealand! We all know you are the best team out there!
Reply | Report this Postchan Sat 27 Mar 2010 01:37
goooooo new zealand! We all know you are the best team out there!
Reply | Report this Postttaulago Sat 27 Mar 2010 03:59
O le tia e malie e faifai malie ;;;;;;;;.
Reply | Report this PostPlay a smart game gents ...... always save the best for the last. Just do a win to get there and then blow it up with a nice flaring multicolored blast that every eye can see it . And there you are, finally will be .... at the top of the world.
I am watching and always do. Know why? The bride .. lou mitamitaga. Manuia le faaagatama i Hong Kong.
Momomamanuelefatiaesaumalaeatiai Ah Leong Sat 27 Mar 2010 04:34
A well done to the MANU SAMOA team.
Reply | Report this Postmeatuai fui Sat 27 Mar 2010 18:07
Faamalo le taalo tausaafia MANU SAMOA,ua e fa'alealea lau Fu'a i le lalolagi atoa, ia Manuia le taaloga i HongKong.
Reply | Report this PostAlofaaga,
Fui.
aFa Sat 27 Mar 2010 19:35
"WANANAVU VITI!" ... "GO FIJI GO!" Bring it home boyz! ;)
Reply | Report this PostZyman Sun 28 Mar 2010 10:31
ManuSamoa: Small country but big hearts, That's the difference. Understanding your opponent and doing just enough. Manage the game as the previous 2 and it's yours.No panic, just taking care of business like clock work. Hey, #1 is when you win it all not when they say you are. Faamalo le lotonuu ma le taalo tausaafia. Viia le Atua,
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