Hong Kong Sevens: World Rugby’s Gem
The Hong Kong Sevens showed once again that it is a spectacle of epic proportions. Therugby thrilled a packed Hong Kong Stadium, as the crowd went on a partying frenzy.
The atmosphere at the stadium was mental, as the crowd belted out their favouritetunes in a festival of rugby, entertainment and celebration.
Fiji, who were magnificent all weekend, ran out winners when they trounced South Africa 22-0 in the final to claim their third consecutive title in Honkers. This was South Africa’s 7th final in 7 tournaments this year. The ability of the Fijians to beat the opposite players one-on-one is extraordinary. Add to that their physicality and skill, and they are a team that takes some beating.
Semi Finals
In the first Semi-Final, Fiji breezed past Australia, who had a very impressive weekend in Hong Kong. The other Semi-Final saw South Africa take on the United States. Perry Baker, who was in scintillating form all weekend scored to even matters at 24 all and send the game into sudden death, extra time. South Africa held their nerve, held onto
possession and produced brilliant match winner by Ruan Nel.
Quarter Finals
The Quarter Finals saw the impressive United States of America dump England out of the cup, as well as South Africa relegating New Zealand to an eventual 5th place. This was a very disappointing result and weekend for England, who had looked most likely to challenge the Blitzboks for the World Series title.
World Series Ladder
South Africa maintain their 23 point buffer at the top of the table heading into the final 3 tournaments in Singapore, Paris and London. Fiji move into 2nd place with 122 points, with England slipping into 3rd place on 113 points.
South Africa - 145 Points
Fiji - 122 Points
England - 113 Points
New Zealand - 97 Points
USA - 82 Points
Australia - 79 Points
Argentina - 69 Points
Scotland - 61 Points
Canada - 54 Points
Wales - 53 Points
Congratulations
Spain has qualified for next seasons HSBC’s World Series after they downed a gallant Germany 12-7. Both teams impressed throughout the weekend, but Spain held their nerve to qualify.
Dan Norton broke Collins Injera’s World Record of 244 for most tries scored. Dan Norton kicked ahead, controlling the ball beautifully with his feet before sitting up for him to score in front of the wild South Stand supporters. Dan Norton now holds the record with a sensational 246 tries.
Entertainment
Donald Trump, Barack Obama and Kim Jong Un impersonators made an appearance, in what you’d describe as either absurd or awesome. In a rather bizarre drama skit ‘Donald Trump’ then ordered for a wall to be built in front of the South Stand. It didn’t make a lot of sense, but then it’s the Hong Kong Sevens.
Next up was the appropriately named, “Madness” band from the United Kingdom. “Madness” thrilled the expectant Hong Kong Stadium with well-known hits, ‘House of Fun’, ‘It Must Be Love’ and ‘Our House’. Meanwhile, the South Stand revelled in the electric atmosphere.
Finally
The party must go on. After an extraordinary weekend from a sparkling and vibrant Hong Kong Stadium, it’s on to Singapore this weekend for the next leg of the competition. Until next year, congratulations to Fiji.
