Highlights | Wellington Sevens Day 2

Pic: World Rugby

South Africa defended their pole position after the third round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with a 26-5 win over Olympic Gold medallists Fiji. 

For the second time this weekend, the Blitzboks beat the Fijians at the Westpac Stadium. A day before South Africa went head-to-head with Fiji in the pool stages. 

Above all it was South African Seabelo Senatla were the outstanding performer in Wellington, claiming the HSBC Player of the Final, DHL Impact Player, and his team’s top try scorer with 180 series tries.

Scotland, who beat rivals England in the quarter-finals, finished in third place after beating Canada 28-22 in the bronze final, while Kenya won the Challenge Trophy after beating Australia 19-17 in windy conditions.  

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series continues in Sydney next week where it joins up with the women's tournament for the fourth round of the season. 

Quick Links

Wellington Sevens | Results Day 2

Sydney Sevens | Pools and Fixtures

Highlights | Wellington Sevens Day 1

Pic: World Rugby

Admittedly, it was rather disappointing to follow the first day of the Wellington Sevens, witnessing a 34,500 seater that looked empty. Considering that tickets for this tournament used to be the most popular in town, the organisers seemed to struggle with ticket sales this year. Stricter rules on alcohol consumption and an attempt to make the event more family-friendly didn’t attract the desired numbers. Officially, around 10.000 people visited the tournament on Saturday. Hopefully, numbers will pick up again on the second day and in future, because the Wellington Sevens are one of the most prestigious stops on the circuit.  

Whereas the atmosphere off the pitch was nowhere near the usual party bash that we all love, the quality on the pitch didn’t let anyone down. Hosts New Zealand went, as expected, unbeaten through day one.  The big surprise though came from Canada. The North-Americans won all three of their pool games against Wales, Scotland and Russia to set up a quarter-final against Argentina on Sunday. 

In the "Pool of death", current series leaders South Africa beat Fiji, Australia and Japan. Besides New Zealand, South Africa and Canada, England also remained unbeaten as they overcame Papua New Guinea (40-0), Argentina (26-7) and Kenya (31-12). 

The Cup quarter-finals on Sunday see England play Scotland, New Zealand face Fiji, Canada take on Argentina, while South Africa play France.

Day 2 of the Wellington Sevens starts tomorrow at 11.00am local time (22.00 UK time). You can follow all matches on Sky Sports or here.

Quick Links

Wellington Sevens | Results Day 1

Wellington Sevens | Fixtures Day 2

Preview | Wellington Sevens

The HSBC Sevens Series welcomes the new year with the prestigious Wellington Sevens in New Zealand. Wellington used to be a sell-out event for years, but ticket sales have dropped a bit this year. However, the event organisers are confident that the tournament, staged at the impressive Westpac Stadium, won’t disappoint.

Pic: World Rugby

With World Series champions Fiji, New Zealand and Samoa all managed by new coaching set-ups, it will be interesting to see how those teams perform under new guidance. Papua New Guinea is the latest addition to the 16-squads tournament. The pacific island nation will replace Uganda, which participated at the first two stages in Dubai and South Africa.  

WHERE AND WHEN?

The Wellington Sevens take place at the Westpac Stadium (Capacity 34,500) on Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th of January. The Westpac (also known as the Wellington Regional Stadium) hosted two quarterfinals during the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and is the home of the Super Rugby franchise Hurricanes.  

The matches kick-off on Saturday at 11:00 local time (22:00 UK time) and Sunday 11:00 local time (22:00 UK time).

See the full Day 1 fixture list below.

WHERE CAN I WATCH IT?

In the UK Sky Sports will cover the tournament on all days. For a full TV-guide click here, for any other country check out this handy guide.

WHO’S THE FAVOURITE?

After two rounds it’s currently a tight affair between South Africa and England who both won a tournament each. South Africa, two points ahead of England, only lost one match so far. Disappointingly, the only defeat the Blitzboks conceded was in the final of their home tournament in Cape Town last year. One team which certainly doesn’t want to disappoint anyone this weekend are hosts New Zealand. Under a new coaching setup, the Kiwis are ready to maintain their great home record. In the previous six years, New Zealand won the tournament five times.  

ONE TO WATCH

So far, England’s Dan Norton has been the outstanding performer. The most tries, most tacklings and the most carries are all stats which the former Bristol-winger are leading. However, with New Zealand, being on home soil, expect the hosts to show off their skills. Tim Mikkelson, now entering his ninth year on the circuit, is still one of the very best and always a pleasure to watch.

THE POOLS & SCHEDULES

POOL A

England, Kenya, Argentina, Papua New Guinea

POOL B

South Africa, Fiji, Australia, Japan

POOL C

New Zealand, USA, France, Samoa

POOL D

Scotland, Wales, Russia, Canada

Day 1 | Fixtures

Saturday, January 28 (Kick-off is local time)

Wales v Russia, 11.00

Scotland v Canada, 11.23

Fiji v Australia, 11.46

South Africa v Japan, 12.20

Kenya v Argentina, 12.32

England v Papua New Guinea, 12.55

USA v France, 13.19

New Zealand v Samoa, 13.41

Wales v Canada, 14.24

Scotland v Russia, 14.47

Fiji v Japan, 15.33

South Africa v Australia, 15.33

Kenya v Papua New Guinea, 15.56

England v Argentina, 16.19

USA v Samoa, 16.42

New Zealand v France, 17.16

Scotland v Wales, 17.26

Russia v Canada, 18.00

Scotland v Wales, 18.26

South Africa v Fiji, 19.18

Argentina v Papua New Guinea, 19.44

England v Kenya, 20.10

France v Canada, 20.36

New Zealand v USA, 21.13

Twickers hosts World Rugby Series finale

Once again the home of rugby Twickenham will host the last stage of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. On the 20th and 21st of May 2017 London will become the capital of Sevens. 

Like last year, the event organisers decided to go for a food theme. The motto ‘Feast of Rugby’ promises a combination of world-class rugby and international gourmet street food.

Building on the great demand for tickets in previous years, there are now 50,000 tickets available per day. Day passes start at £30 while weekend passes are available from £40 and Children under 16 can get tickets for £5. 

In addition to the entertaining rugby on the field, fans will have the opportunity to celebrate the gastronomy of the competing nations, enjoy vintage-themed fairground rides and bask in the atmosphere of live music.

Click here to buy tickets. 

The Top 10 Players of 2016

2016 has been the most significant year for sevens yet. Another record-breaking women’s and men’s World Sevens Series and of course the Rio Olympics set a new milestone for the ever-growing game. At the top-level sevens is played by some of the fittest and most skillful players and so many athletes shaped this magnificent year. A list with the most outstanding players would probably contain far more than just 10 players. So if you think we missed out on some players, just comment below.   

1) Terry Bouhraoua (France)

2) Dan Norton (England)

3) Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)

4) Osea Kolinisau (Fiji)

5) Charlotte Caslick (Australia)

6) Perry Baker (USA)

7) Portia Woodman (New Zealand)

8) Cameron Clark (Australia)

9) Tim Mikkelson (New Zealand)

10) Jerry Tuwai (Fiji)