Dubai 7s

Lakapai Samoa want Dubai stay to compete

Strict Covid-19 regulations in Samoa have been causing problems for the country's international rugby teams all year.

The Manu Samoa men's sevens team have been out of action since the Olympic repechage played in Monaco in June, and their tour of the northern hemisphere was abandoned.

Chief Executive Vincent Fepuleai said he was confident of a positive response from the government.

He warned the team's status among the world's sevens elite could be in jeopardy, with huge consequences for the future if they do not attend.

Dubai 7s: Fiji loses opening game against France

Just as they did last week, France struck first with a try after taking advantage of a Fiji loose pass.

Fijian forward Joseva Talacolo registered his country's first points racing away for an unconverted try from the restart.

France had most of the possession in the first half and tried to break the Fijian defense.

Fiji's defensive effort paid off when they turned the ball over at a break down before Filipe Sauturaga ran in for their second try.

Fijiana 7s gearing up for final finish at Dubai 7s

Fijiana defeated Great Britain 28-5 to top its pool and set up the fixture against Australia.

It was the first time the Fijiana 7s side played at a final of the World Rugby Sevens Series leg.

Coach Saiasi Fuli said the first tournament was an historical event for the women's team.

"The girls know it's an historical achievement for them to reach the first ever final for the past 12 years participating in this world sevens series," he said.

World Rugby Sevens Series to make return as new campaign begins in Dubai

Australia secured the Olympic women’s rugby sevens title at the rescheduled Tokyo 2Games earlier this year, where they overcame France in the final.

The two teams will renew their rivalry in the pool phase of the Dubai Sevens at The Sevens, which returns after the 2020 to 2021 series was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia and France will be joined in Pool A by Brazil, Spain and the United States.

“We’re super excited to be here," said Demi Hayes, Australia’s team captain.

NZ humiliated in final of Dubai Sevens, kept scoreless by rampant South Africa

A first-half try by captain Siviwe Soyizwapi was added to after the interval by Chris Dry and replacement Seabelo Senatla. None were converted.

"We call ourselves a defence team, and we're proud of it,” Soyizwapi said.

Having won Dubai for a record seventh time, and fourth time in the last six tournaments, South Africa goes to its home Cape Town Sevens next weekend leading a world sevens series it last won in 2018.

“The rust is off and we're keen to play at home,” Soyizwapi said.

No Dubai Sevens on Sky Pacific

Mike Greig, Digicel Fiji CEO says, “We apologise to our valued Sky Pacific viewers who will miss out on the excitement of the Dubai Sevens which in previous years has been very popular with ‘uninterrupted commercial free’ coverage.”

“I can confirm that Digicel worked hard for a deal for Pay TV rights with the rights holder for Fiji and the Pacific territories, unfortunately, on the eve of the Dubai Sevens, we do not have a deal in place.”

“We are disappointed for rugby 7s supporters in Fiji who have no other way of viewing this popular event.”

Samoa, Fiji men make winning start at Dubai 7s

The Manu 7s wore a black armband in their opening match against Canada to honour the victims of the measles epidemic which has taken more than 60 lives back in Samoa.

Sir Gordon Tietjens' side conceded two first half tries but responded in kind through Paul Scanlan and Tofatu Solia to go into the half-time break all square at 12-all.

All Black Sevens beaten in Dubai final

Defending series' champions South Africa won the tournament beat the All Blacks Sevens 24-12 in the decider.

The South Africans led 19-0 at half time, but the New Zealanders closed with two tries to Andrew Knewstubb and Scott Curry, before the Boks sealed the game with a late try.

New Zealand had a player sin-binned in the first half and South Africa in the second half.

New Zealand had beaten Kenya 14-12 and England 14-5 on the way to the final.

The New Zealand women finished fifth in their tournament yesterday.

Fiji and Samoa reach quarter-finals in Dubai

Fiji topped their group following wins over Australia, Wales and Russia.

Samoa finished second to New Zealand in their group, going down to the All Blacks Sevens 24-12, in their only loss in pool play.

In the quarter-finals Fiji will play Scotland, Samoa will play South Africa, New Zealand will play Kenya and England will play Australia.

Meanwhile the Fiji women beat Japan 17-15 in their last game to finish 11th overall.

 

Photo Instagram. Caption: Alatasi Tupou