HONG KONG—It’s Sevens Friday (April 8} in Hong Kong and the Main Event has started. The Qualifying tournament for a coveted spot in next seasons 2016/17 Sevens circuit, and the Core competition, for points, kudos and to help coaches determine their squad for Rio. Each tournament, and after Hong Kong, there are only three left, is an opportunity for players to impress and coaches to select. This year there is the added bonus of named stars from the fifteen a-side game, and the NFL, staking a claim for Rio.
By Friday evening, in the Qualifying Tournament Japan and Spain lead their respective Groups. Japan beat Brazil in the opening match of the weekend 36-0, then Morocco 45-0. Spain beat Papua New Guinea 33-0 and Mexico 41-0. Group E with Hong Kong, Germany and Zimbabwe is providing sparks. In their opening match Hong Kong trounced the Cayman Islands 43-0, and Germany and Zimbabwe battled to a 14-14 draw. Zimbabwe then eased past the Cayman Islands 35-5. While Germany provided hosts, Hong Kong with a shock, but deserved defeat, winning 12-5. Despite plenty of possession Hong Kong could not break the German defence and missed key tackles; Germany proved more incisive and less wasteful with ball in hand, outscoring Hong Kong two tries to one.
Of the remaining teams, Chile is unbeaten, but Group E, with Germany, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong will provide the toughest and most entertaining matches in the Qualifying tournament.
There was an interlude for the Women’s Sevens final. Ten teams played over two days, and the eventual finalists were France and South Africa. Both had already met in their Group, with South Africa winning the earlier encounter 7-5. On the bigger stage at the Stadium, South Africa again proved to have the measure of France, and won a close final 14-7. In the 3rd/4th match Japan edged Hong Kong 10-5 to exact revenge for the earlier Group match when Hong Kong won 14-7; a result left Japan, Hong Kong and Argentina tied on points, with 1-2-3 determined by point’s difference.
As dusk morphed into Friday night, the big names came out to play. The physicality moved up a notch, the skill levels became markedly superior and the pace of the game noticeably quicker.
Kenya opened proceedings outplaying Samoa 24-0. Wales eased to a comfortable win over a spirited South Korean team, 40-14. The USA struggled past a competitive Portuguese side, 21-5. Scotland dispensed with Russia, last season’s winners of the Qualifying tournament, 28-15, having trailed at halftime. New Zealand, initially stunned by France, who ran out to a surprise 17-0 lead, before the Kiwis slowly clawed the score back to win a tight contest 19-17. Fiji needed a last minute try with two Canadian players in the sin-bin to win 19-17. It was so nearly an upset; Fiji undeservedly claimed victory and Canada justifiably upset. Australia was most impressive against Argentina winning 28-0. The final game of the evening England stunned South Africa to win 21-14.
The highlights of the day were off the pitch with the colourful well-coordinated ‘pink dancers’ who gave the Opening Ceremony a fresh spectacle. Plus the cams: the fun Kissa-cam, to make you chose your seating partners with care, and the Dance-cam, where the 40,000 are entertained with your best moves on the big screen. Roll on Saturday and Sunday, it’s going to be a fun weekend!
Grahame Carder is a sports enthusiast, former rugby player and resides in Hong Kong.
