Friday, March 28, 2014

Hong Kong 7s Qualifier Update

Besides the main iRB tournament, Hong Kong is also host to a 12 team qualifier featuring the likes of Japan, Italy, Russia, Zimbabwe, Uruguay, Hong Kong, The Cook Islands, Chile, American Samoa, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and more. One of these teams will take over a core team spot for the 2014/2015 iRB Sevens series- crucial for anyone attempting to qualify for the Olympics. After last weekend's showing at Tokyo 7s Japan is one of the favorites. I have to say I'm intrigued with the Italian side. As a country competing in the Six Nations, it would seem a transition to rugby 7s core status is natural. But then again, champions Ireland don't field a rugby 7s side at all.

Another interesting team to watch is Uruguay as they've been featured on the circuit before; I can remember them competing at USA 7s in years past. Russia had a strong showing as hosts of the World University games and has competed in the men's Elite bracket of the LVI each of the last 3 years. Hosts Hong Kong also look strong, as do Zimbabwe who remain undefeated, and the quarterfinals should yield some thrilling match ups. Now if I only I could find a stream for these games as well!

Following the updates on the iRB website shows that Uruguay and Japan win their final pool play mayches Day 2. Japan just beat the Cook Islands 26-7 and Uruguay was victorious 28-5 over Trinidad & Tobago. Italy is playing Hong Kong at the moment - should be the best match up of the remaining pool play tests! Undefeated Russia takes on similarly 2-0 Zimbabwe soon as well!

Highlights from Day 1 of action are here.

 More on the tournament from the iRB:

Five unbeaten in World Series qualifier

(IRB.COM) Friday 28 March 2014
 Five unbeaten in World Series qualifier
Andy Vilk's Italy won both of their opening matches in the World Series qualifier in Hong Kong
Japan, hosts Hong Kong, Italy, Russia and Zimbabwe all went unbeaten on day one of the World Series qualifier at the Hong Kong Sevens. 

One of the 12 teams competing in the qualifier will join the core sides on next season's HSBC Sevens World Series, and several teams put their hands up as favourite on day one at the Hong Kong Stadium. 

WORLD SERIES QUALIFIER FIXTURES/RESULTS >>
 
Lote Tuqiri scored two tries in each of Japan's wins as last week's hosts scored 65 unanswered points against Uruguay and Trinidad and Tobago while the hosts beat Tunisia and American Samoa.  

Yiu Kam Shing scored twice in their 19-7 defeat of Tunisia before Rowan Varty added a brace in their 38-7 win against Hong Kong debutants American Samoa.  

Stephan Hunduza scored a hat-trick and Lenience Tambwera scored 19 points as Zimbabwe beat Barbados 49-5 before they narrowly beat Chile 19-14, Handuza adding two more tries.  

Andy Vilk's Italy beat American Samoa 31-12 and Tunisia 17-12 with Kaine Roberton scoring the winner in the latter while Evgeny Nepeyvoda was the hero for Russia on day one, scoring twice in their 40-10 win against Barbados and the winner as they snatched a dramatic 17-12 win in their opening match against Chile.  

Liam Middleton, Zimbabwe coach: “It (what it will take to win the competition) is winning games like this. We were strong in the first game and this was an even contest. To win the competition you need to win these tight contests so I am chuffed we have won this one.” 

REACTION
Liam Middleton, Zimbabwe coach: “It (what it will take to win the competition) is winning games like this. We were strong in the first game and this was an even contest. To win the competition you need to win these tight contests so I am chuffed we have won this one.” 

Match-winner Kane Robertson on Italy's 100% winning start: "Tomorrow will be very tough against Hong Kong but we'll do our best to get a good result." 

Gabriel Puig, Uruguay captain: “It was important for us to change the result of the first match. We thought we could win this match (against the Cook Islands), now we have to think about the match tomorrow. Happy to be back, this is the best championship” 

Jamie Hood, Hong Kong captain: “Much happier with that one. Tunisia were a tough team to start with this morning. We’ve won both of our two matches here but the second day gets a lot more serious and hopefully we can continue on.” 

Lomano Lemeki, Japan: “Good start for us to get the win. Uruguay are a strong team. We played well but we’re trying to get used to the humidity and the heat, so we just need to make sure we’re ready for our remaining pool matches." 

Andy Vilk, Italy coach: “Not sure I like that tag (one of the favourites) but I am happy with how we started but disappointed with those two tries at the end. Happy with 31 points and a performance to build on.”

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