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Paul Ryan named South Africa as his favorites to set the pace on the 2016-17 HSBC Sevens Series and following the opening tournament in Dubai his predictions look spot-on. The Blitzbokke cruised through Day Two to lift the title, smashing both New Zealand and Wales before meeting Fiji in the final. While the defending Olympic champions proved worthy contenders, ultimately the skill and experience of the South Africans proved too much for a new-look Fijian side.
Day Two also proved a happier one for the Americas teams, but not entirely satisfactory. Argentina had little trouble with Japan but bowed out in the Consolation Semis with a 12-10 loss to Samoa. Canada struggled against Kenya in their first match of the day but got a bit of confidence in a big win over Russia. Newcomers Uganda, who earlier in the day had made a bit of history with a deserved upset win over Japan, gave Canada a right but the Canucks just pulled through in the end to finish in 13th place.
It was the USA who flew the flag for the Americas by the end of Day Two. The Eagles redeemed themselves by winning all three of their matches to take the Consolation title. Their route was somewhat bumpy along the way. A smooth start against Russia was followed by a real battle against Kenya. It was captain Madison Hughes who led the way with 16 points including three vital conversions in the 21-19 win. Samoa were their final victims with the 28-14 result salvaging 9th place overall for the Americans.
The Blitzbokke will now enjoy home field advantage as the HSBC circuit moves to Cape Town next weekend. Canada meanwhile will be waiting on the status of Harry Jones, who withdrew from Day Two with an undisclosed injury and was replaced by debutante Caleb Jordan.
DAY TWO RESULTS
CONSOLATION QUARTER FINALS
Argentina 31 – 14 Japan
Samoa 27 – 19 Uganda
Kenya 22 – 14 Canada
USA 40 – 0 Russia
CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS
Fiji 40 – 5 France
England 24 – 21 Scotland
Australia 12 – 21 Wales
South Africa 40 – 0 New Zealand
13th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Japan 19 – 26 Uganda
Canada 27 – 5 Russia
CONSOLATION SEMI FINALS
Argentina 10 – 12 Samoa
Kenya 19 – 21 USA
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
France 17 – 26 Scotland
Australia 20 – 12 New Zealand
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS
Fiji 31 – 12 England
Wales 5 – 36 South Africa
13th PLACE FINAL
Uganda 17 – 20 Canada
CONSOLATION FINAL
Samoa 14 – 28 USA
5th PLACE FINAL
Scotland 12 – 19 Australia
BRONZE FINAL
England 38 – 10 Wales
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Fiji 14 – 26 South Africa
