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The Cup draw has finally been set at the Hong Kong Sevens, the sixth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, England, Australia, and South Africa all looked comfortable in topping their respective groups. 

USA’s massive win against Thailand (62-7) aided their points difference, which proved crucial in them getting one of the valuable best runners-up spots in tomorrow’s last eight. 

It was the same situation for Kenya who lost out to South Africa in the Pool E decider (21-7) but performed well enough in wins against Zimbabwe (24-0) and Korea (51-7) to also make it through. 

Argentina was the unlucky one, missing out on qualification by the slimmest of margins in their bid to reach a second consecutive Cup quarter-final.

Hosts Hong Kong caused the biggest shock of the day by stunning Wales 19-21 with a last minute score for Anthony Haynes that levelled the scores with Keith Robertson calmly slotting the extras. 

It was a special moment for coach Dai Rees who is Wales’ former coach. Joy to turned to despair later in the day though as Hong Kong lost out to rivals Japan in a deflating 40-7 reverse.

Cup quarter-finals:
Samoa v USA
England v Australia
Fiji v South Africa
New Zealand v Kenya

Day 2 - As it Happened

Hong Kong Pools Summary

Pool A -Lacklustre Samoa do enough

Samoa weren't at their best against Argentina in the Pool decider but did enough for the 21-14 win. Fautua Otto got a double to continue his rich vein of form.

Russia again showed their development in pressing Samoa all the way. Pesamino's late double giving the islanders a generous 24-12 win. However the Russians suffered last minute heartbreak against Italy, with Roberto Bertetti grabbing the winner.

The Pumas got their second win of the weekend against Italy, a Joaquin Tuculet hat-trick giving them a 40-0 win. On day 1 the Pumas held off a physical Russian outfit winning 19-12.

The Samoans started where they left off in Adelaide on Day 1 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.

Pool B -Kiwis in control

New Zealand faced Scotland in their last game with Kurt Baker's two first half scores making the difference in the 22-5 win.

Gordon Tietjen's kiwis were clinical against France, skipper DJ Forbes scoring two in the 36-0 rout. France finally enjoyed some clocking some IRB tries and improved their points difference in the 63-12 win over Chinese Taipei.
Scotland also breezed past Chinese Taipei with Andrew Turnbull and Lee Jones performing in the 42-5 win.

New Zealand were quickly into their stride putting away Chinese Taipei 59-5 on day 1. 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.

Pool C - Fiji too good for USA

Defending champions Fiji set down a marker for the rest of the competition with an awesome display against USA. Osea Kolinisau (2) and Watisoni Votu (2) were a constant threat in the 38-12 win.

Kevin Swiryn raced in for five tries against Thailand, with the USA scoring 10 in total in the 62-0 win it proved decisive for the Eagles' point difference in their hunt for a Cup quarter-final spot. Fiji overcome Portugal 45-7 in their first game of day 2.

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.

Pool D -Australia untroubled

Canada looked out of their depth in the pool decider against Australia. James Stannard's two first-half scores deflated the Maple Leafs with Brackin Karauria-Henry also adding to his growing reputation.

Liam Gill's hat-trick was the highlight in Australia's 33-12 win over Tonga. The Tongans did beat China though, showing what they are capable of with a 36-12 win.

China caused Canada some real problems with Li Yang's early try. But the Maple Leafs dug deep with Chauncey O'Toole brace enough for their second win of the tournament.

Australia found themselves behind 12-7 early on against China to another Li Yang try on day 1. But Michael O’Connor’s men fought back superbly with Karauria-Henry continuing his good form with a couple of scores.

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.

Pool E - England impress as hosts shock Wales

England have been one of the form teams this weekend and were untroubled by Wales in the pool decider. Tries form Rodwell, Wade, Royle, and Lindsay-Hague enough to book a quarter-final against Australia.

Hosts Hong Kong lost out in their grudge match against Japan with Asian Sevens champions rampant in the 40-12 win.

Yet Hong Kong were inspired against Wales, despite Alex Cuthbert's brace, for the world champions. Keith Robertson's late break finished by Anthony Haynes bringing the crowd to their feet with a 19-21 win. England had no torbule dispensing with Japan 45-0 with Ben Gollings scoring and running the show.

England impressed against Hong Kong on day 1, controlling the tempo and looking potent in attack. Two tries for Lindsay-Hague and Nick Royle gave them a 45-0 victory.

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.

Pool F - Boks best of Africa

Paul Treu's Boks put in a huge defensive performance to thwart Kenya. Chris Dry, Branco du Preez, and Ryno Benjamin crossed for a 21-7 win against the Shuuja.

South Africa, last year's runners-up, breezed past Korea 40-7 in their first game of the second day, with Kenya overcoming Zimbabwe who were reduced to five men at one point.

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 the Blitzbokke the victory.

Day 2 Hong Kong Results:

Match 13 - Pool A: Argentina 40 Italy 0
Match 14 – Pool B: Scotland 42 Chinese Taipei 5
Match 15 – Pool C: USA 62 Thailand 7
Match 16 – Pool D: Canada 12 China 5
Match 17 – Pool E: Wales 19 Hong Kong 21
Match 18 – Pool F: South Africa 40 Korea 7
Match 19 – Pool A: Samoa 24 Russia 12
Match 20 – Pool B: New Zealand 36 France 0
Match 21 – Pool C: Fiji 45 Portugal 7
Match 22 – Pool D: Australia 33 Tonga 12
Match 23 – Pool E: England 45 Japan 0
Match 24 – Pool F: Kenya 24 Zimbabwe 0
Match 25 – Pool A: Russia 12 Italy 14
Match 26 – Pool B: France 63 Chinese Taipei 12
Match 27 – Pool C: Portugal 50 Thailand
Match 28 – Pool D: Tonga 36 China 12
Match 29 – Pool E: Japan 40 Hong Kong 12
Match 30 – Pool F: Zimbabwe 31 Korea 24
Match 31 – Pool A: Samoa 21 Argentina 14
Match 32 – Pool B: New Zealand 22 Scotland 5
Match 33 – Pool C: Fiji 38 USA 12
Match 34 – Pool D: Australia 36 Canada 12
Match 35 - Pool E: England 26 Wales 5
Match 36 - Pool F: Kenya 21 South Africa 7