Mixed fortunes on Day One in Hong Kong

The first day of the Hong Kong Sevens is in the books with teams looking to work out the kinks early and not much in the way of upsets. England got the result of the Main Draw with a 21-14 win over South Africa to close out proceedings for a few hours, while Morocco knocked off Tonga in a surprise result in the Core Qualifiers earlier in the day.

USA had little trouble getting through Portugal to start their tournament, but will face much bigger challenges on day two with Argentina and Australia both on their plate. The Pumas on the other hand had a poor start, shut out by Australia and looking well short of their best. Canada very nearly caused a stir with a strong performance against Fiji, but will be kicking themselves for taking two tripping yellow cards in the final minute to concede the winning score on the final play of the match.

As expected Japan look the clear favorites in the Core Qualifier bracket, brushing aside Brazil and Morocco with ease. The Tupis fared little better against Tonga, scoring only once and conceding four tries, while the Caymans began their Hong Kong account with virtually identical numbers to Brazil.

Chile are flying the flag for the Americas thus far, with two wins from two and a pivotal match against Spain up next. Mexico gave the South Americans a good match in their opener, but had little left in the tank against Spain.

Day two begins early Saturday morning in Hong Kong. For those in the Americas it will be a late night with games beginning Friday evening and carrying on until Saturday’s sunrise. All matches will be streamed live by World Rugby.

 

DAY ONE RESULTS

MAIN DRAW

POOL A
Samoa 0 – 24 Kenya
New Zealand 19 – 17 France

POOL B
Scotland 28 – 15 Russia
South Africa 14 – 21 England

POOL C
USA 21 – 5 Portugal
Australia 28 – 0 Argentina

POOL D
Wales 40 – 14 South Korea
Fiji 19 – 17 Canada

 

CORE QUALIFIERS

POOL E
Zimbabwe 14 – 14 Germany
Hong Kong 43 – 0 Cayman Islands
Zimbabwe 35 – 5 Cayman Islands
Hong Kong 5 – 12 Germany

POOL F
Spain 33 – 0 Papua New Guinea
Chile 29 – 14 Mexico
Spain 41 – 0 Mexico
Chile 19 – 7 Papua New Guinea

POOL G
Japan 36 – 0 Brazil
Tonga 17 – 19 Morocco
Japan 45 – 0 Morocco
Tonga 26 – 5 Brazil

 

DAY TWO FIXTURES

Fri, Apr 8 – 21:00 EST – Brazil vs Morocco
Fri, Apr 8 – 21:22 EST – Papua New Guinea vs Mexico
Fri, Apr 8 – 21:44 EST – Germany vs Cayman Islands
Fri, Apr 8 – 22:06 EST – Japan vs Tonga
Fri, Apr 8 – 22:28 EST – Spain vs Chile
Fri, Apr 8 – 22:50 EST – Zimbabwe vs Hong Kong

Fri, Apr 8 – 23:18 EST – Samoa vs France
Fri, Apr 8 – 23:40 EST – New Zealand vs Kenya
Sat, Apr 9 – 00:02 EST – Wales vs Canada
Sat, Apr 9 – 00:24 EST – Fiji vs South Korea
Sat, Apr 9 – 00:48 EST – USA vs Argentina
Sat, Apr 9 – 01:10 EST – Australia vs Portugal
Sat, Apr 9 – 01:32 EST – Scotland vs England
Sat, Apr 9 – 01:54 EST – South Africa vs Russia

Sat, Apr 9 – 03:18 EST – France vs Kenya
Sat, Apr 9 – 03:40 EST – New Zealand vs Samoa
Sat, Apr 9 – 04:02 EST – Canada vs South Korea
Sat, Apr 9 – 04:24 EST – Fiji vs Wales
Sat, Apr 9 – 04:48 EST – Argentina vs Portugal
Sat, Apr 9 – 05:10 EST – Australia vs USA
Sat, Apr 9 – 05:32 EST – England vs Russia
Sat, Apr 9 – 05:54 EST – South Africa vs Scotland