HIGHLIGHTS | SYDNEY SEVENS DAY 1

Photo: World Rugby

Fiji, South Africa and England won all three of their pool games on the first day at the Sydney Sevens. Hosts Australia and New Zealand completed the day with an enthralling 17-17 draw.

Hosts Australia and last week's champions New Zealand provided an enthralling ending to the opening day of the HSBC Sydney Sevens with a dramatic 17-17 draw.

In the Pool A decider, New Zealand came from 17-5 down at half-time to level the scores, putting the All Blacks through as pool winners on points differential. They will face the USA in the first quarter-final on day two, while England competes against Australia.

Ben Ryan's Fiji continued their impressive pool stage record, their three wins ensuring they have now tasted victory in 39 of their last 39 pool matches after victories over Samoa, France and Argentina. They will face Kenya in their quarter-final on day two.

Series leaders South Africa beat Kenya 26-19 to finish top of Pool B.  The Blitzboks will come up against Argentina in a repeat of the HSBC Cape Town Sevens final.

England beat USA 17-14 in a thrilling Pool D decider. They will meet rivals Australia in the Cup quarter-final tomorrow.

Sydney Sevens Cup Quarter Finals

New Zealand vs USA

Fiji vs Kenya

England vs Australia

South Africa vs Argentina

QUICK LINKS

Sydney Sevens | Results Day 1

Sydney Sevens | Fixtures Day 2

HIGHLIGHTS | Wellington Sevens DAY 2

Photo: World Rugby

At the first HSBC Sevens Series tournament of 2016, New Zealand once more won the cup on home soil. However it Gordon Tietjen’s team had to work incredible hard to overcome South Africa in a nail-biting final.  The 24-21 victory move the All Blacks from seventh to third in the overall standings with 47 points, five behind Fiji who finished third at the Westpac Stadium and seven behind the South Africa who moved ahead of Fiji for the first time this season.

Australia won the Plate with a 21-5 win over Argentina. Samoa dispatched Scotland without too much trouble to win 19-7 in the Bowl final while France won the Shield after beating Russia 14-7.

RESULTS | WELLINGTON SEVENS

CUP

New Zealand 24:21 South Africa  

PLATE

Argentina 5:21 Australia

BOWL

Scotland 7:19 Samoa

SHIELD

France 14:7 Russia

QUICK LINKS

Wellington Sevens | Results Day 2

Sydney Sevens | Fixtures

HSBC Sevens Series | Standings

HIGHLIGHTS | Wellington Sevens DAY 1

Photo: World Rugby

It was a long night for UK-based 7s fans if they followed the first day of the Wellington Sevens. Those who stayed awaked witnessed how hosts and title defender New Zealand as well as Fiji and Australia qualified without a loss for the Cup-Quarterfinals.

England also qualified for the Cup-QF despite a loss against Samoa. However victories against France and USA secured the ticket for a match against Argentina. USA also maintained their current strong performance and will play for the Cup trophy against Fiji tomorrow.

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Wellington Sevens Cup Quarter Finals

New Zealand vs Kenya

England vs Argentina

Australia vs South Africa

Fiji vs USA

QUICK LINKS

Wellington Sevens | Results Day 1

Wellington Sevens | Fixtures Day 2

PREVIEW Wellington 7s | All Eyes on SBW

Photo: World Rugby

The Olympic 7s year kicks off with the third leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series in Wellington, New Zealand this weekend. 

So far the series delivered some great surprises with eight different teams qualified for the semi-finals and Fiji and South Africa both won the Cup tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town respectively. 

So this weekend fans around the globe will tune in to follow the next round on the #roadtorio. 

Where and When?

The third round of the HSBC Sevens Series takes place at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington (capacity 34,500) on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st of January.  

The matches kick-off at 11:30am local time (02:30am UK time) and the last matches are scheduled for 20:30pm (11:30am UK time) on both days. 

See the full fixture list here.

Where can I see it?

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

Who’s the favourite?

Hard to tell - The first two rounds proved that the series is more even than ever. However, with the All Blacks winning on home soil three times in the last four years they are the favourites.  

One to watch

Since New Zealand’s coach Gordon Tietjens has decided to select Sonny Bill Williams for Wellington, the rugby world can’t wait to see the World Cup winner on a 7s pitch. However, with securing titles in Union, League and Boxing does anyone really think he will struggle?

Who’s leading?

Currently Fiji and South Africa are in the lead with 35 points each, followed by the USA with 29 points. The Americans showed some outstanding performances during the first two tournaments. England are in fifth position just three points behind fourth placed Argentina. See the full standing here.