Blitzboks and Argentina remain undefeated after an exciting first day.
2023.12.05
On the first day of the series opener, the Blitzboks defeated the All Blacks Sevens, Australia barely made it, and France needed some motivation.
On the opening day of the Emirates Dubai 7s, the inaugural event of the redesigned HSBC SVNS 2024, seven of the top eight finishers from the previous season advanced to the men’s quarterfinals.
The USA was one of three teams that benefited from the introduction of losing bonus points, while France, who will likely be joined by 15s sensation Antoine Dupont later in the series, was the only side to miss out.
POOL A: TOP BLITZBOKS
New Zealand, the 2023 series winners, almost lost out to a poor start in a pool that was predicted to be challenging. In an attempt to win the series against the All Blacks Sevens for the first time in six years, Canada jumped off to an unexpected 21-12 lead. However, three player injuries ultimately caused them to lose 26-21.
Gaining momentum from the return of experienced winger Rosko Specman from the 15s, seventh-ranked South Africa took advantage of mistakes made by Samoa and a yellow card to win their opening match 22–14.
After that, Samoa needed to win their second group match against New Zealand, and they almost did, due to a swift tap try by Malakesi Masefau that placed them ahead 12–7 at halftime. However, Brady Rush’s last-ditch solo performance gave the All Blacks Sevens two victories out of two, and Samoa faced Canada in a straight shootout to secure the remaining quarterfinal spot.
While Samoa were clinical and won 24-0 with to two tries apiece from Masefau and BJ Lima, Canada had their opportunities but frequently fumbled the ball in advantageous positions.
Ronald Brown and Masande Mtshali scored late tries to help South Africa overcome New Zealand 21-19 in the pool match.
AUSTRALIA SCRAPE THROUGH POOL B
Ireland upset Australia 19–12 in the men’s opening-round match. Ireland took the lead at halftime and never looked back against the 2022 series winners thanks to two tries before the break, the first coming from the speed and agility of World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year 2022, Terry Kennedy.
Following Ireland’s comfortable victory over Spain thanks to a hat-trick from that man Kennedy, Argentina almost eliminated the defending Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens winners, Australia, with four tries in as many first-half minutes.
However, Australia advanced as one of the two best third-placed teams after defeating Spain 25-7, which relieved Nick Malouf, among others.
The captain of Australia commented, “Today was the most pleasing thing because we were able to do what we had spoken about for the first time.” We’ll start fresh tomorrow, so we’ll give it our all.
Argentina won the pool after defeating Ireland 17–7.ed, both teams having previously qualified.
POOL C: THE USA RETURNS TO REACH THE LAST EIGHT
Fiji had not won a series competition since Toulouse in May 2022, but they were pushed hard by the USA until the very end, when skipper Joseva Talacolo (shown) crossed over to score.
Then, in one of the heavyweight matches of the pool phase, the two-time Olympic winners took on France. Les Bleus took the lead, but the Flying Fijians responded with three rapid tries that displayed all of their strengths, including scary fends, amazing footwork, and incredible offloading. After that, they never looked back. With Terio Tamani missing four conversions in addition to his hat-trick of tries, they ultimately prevailed 40–5.
The USA responded well to their loss, defeating France 26–14 to win the pool and advance to the last eight together with Fiji, who fell short against Great Britain in the day’s last game.
Head coach of the Men’s Eagles Sevens Mike Friday expressed his satisfaction. “During the preseason, we left four of our senior players at home, but the young men took advantage of the chance.” Against a very physically strong squad, we had ball possession.
NEXT UP
After winning Pool C, the USA will play New Zealand in the quarterfinals on Sunday. Ireland plays Fiji, South Africa plays Australia, and Samoa-Argentina rounds up the schedule.
@charith
