7s

All Blacks Sevens to meet Samoa into Singapore quarter-finals

The All Blacks Sevens edged Argentina 14-10 in their opening group game, before beating Scotland 19-7 and crushing Wales 43-5 on day one of the event.

In their pool match, Samoa led 10-7 at half-time versus Australia, who were third in the overall standings heading into Singapore, but the latter fought back to come out on top 26-17. The tries for the victors came from Matthew Gonzalez, Josh Turner, Corey Toole and Timothy Clements.

Blitzboks to wear Mandela-inspired jersey in Cape Town

South Africa are holding centenary celebrations for the life of the inspirational former prisoner and president, who would have turned 100 years in 2018. Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013.

The Blitzboks sevens side will wear Madiba-style jerseys at their home tournament in Cape Town, in the second leg of the men’s World Sevens Series.

The jersey’s green-and-gold design is reportedly inspired by the “intricately patterned shirts Madiba was famous for wearing”, along with Proteas and Springboks.

Manu Samoa keen to qualify more through 7s loophole

Four years ago Tim Nanai-Williams switched allegiance from New Zealand to Samoa, playing in four tournaments on the global sevens circuit to make himself eligible for the Manu Samoa fifteen-a-side team.

SRU High Performance Unit Manager Zane Hilton said the criteria has since changed, with players wanting to switch now required to compete in five tournaments in the upcoming season, which doubles as an Olympic qualifier, provided they have a passport for the second country and have completed a minimum three year stand down period.