Fiji win fourth consecutive title in Hong Kong
Fiji secured their fourth consecutive title at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after they beat Kenya 24-12 in the final.
In a repeat of last month's final in Vancouver, Fiji ran in four tries to move within just three points of series leaders South Africa in the overall standings and take their third tournament win of the 2018 world series.
Two yellow cards in the first half for Kenya's Collins Injera and Willy Ambaka allowed the Pacific islanders to take a 17-0 lead at half-time. Despite tries from Kenya's Billy Odhiambo and Oscar Ouma in the second half, Fiji were uncatchable and cemented their reputation in Hong Kong as the team to beat.
"I'd like to thank my boys for the team effort and thank the Kenyan team for a good game," said Fiji captain Jerry Tuwai. "Hong Kong is always special for us, we respect and honour the tradition that Fiji has with the Hong Kong Sevens."
South Africa claimed the bronze medal after beating New Zealand 29-7 while Argentina beat USA 14-12 to secure fifth. The Challenge Trophy winners were France, beating Canada 33-7.
With Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 just over 100 days away, the seedings for the tournament will be confirmed on Wednesday as excitement builds for the competition in San Francisco on July 20-22.
The world series will head to Singapore on April 28/29 after stopping by the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast next weekend.
Elsewhere Japan have been promoted to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019 after beating Germany in the annual world series qualifier in Hong Kong.
After two days of pulsating action, head coach Damian Karauna’s side finished up 19-14 winners against a powerful German outfit, who have suffered their second qualifier final defeat in as many years.
The victory in front of a packed Hong Kong Stadium means Japan will become one of the 15 core teams contesting the 10-round world series, beginning next December.
"I think that it’s great for us," said Karauna. "We’ve worked really hard to get back and we’ve just got to get that consistency now and keep up with the world series teams. It means a lot and we’ve had a lot of support here which has been great for us."
In the final, Japan crossed first before Germany took a 5-14 lead into the break after tries from Johnathon Dawe and Bastian Himmer. With less than 15 seconds left, Karauna’s team trailed 12-14 but managed to snatch the match-winner through Masahiro Nakano.
Before joining the series Japan will contest the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco on July 20-22 as one of the two Asian qualifiers.
Latest Comments
Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
Go to comments