Hong Kong 7s

It was a shaky start by both sides with a few handling errors in the first two minutes before Joseva Talacolo marked his return for Fiji at the World Series with the first try following some powerful work by Josese Batirerega.

Samoa had a few scoring chances but Fiji’s defense made the difference in the first seven minutes for a converted try lead at the break under wet conditions.

However, it was Waisea Nacuqu who sliced through the defense in the 4th minute before teaming up with Ponipate Loganimasi who released Filipo Bukayaro to score.

Head Coach Brian Lima has assembled a squad with outstanding players from past two tournaments.

The side features Paul Scanlan, who was an exceptional player at the Los Angeles 7s.

The 27-year-old has been awarded DHL Impact Player in five out of the total of six games they played altogether.

The line-up also features the likes of Tanu Niulevaea, Paul Eti Slater, who were both also outstanding players at the Los Angeles 7s.

Samoa will be facing Fiji in its first game on Friday, 31 March, at 8.28pm (Samoa Time).

The Pacific neighbours will face-off on Friday, 31 March, at 8.28pm (Samoa Time).

A day later, the Brian Lima coached side will take on Argentina before their final pool game against Canada.

The first cup quarter-final match is at 3.02pm (Samoa Time) on 2 April.

Fiji is yet to win a tournament on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series this year and sits on fourth place on the points table.

Samoa is currently in sixth place.

Both tournaments have been moved from April to October.

In a statement, World Rugby said the health and safety of players, fans and everyone working on the event is their highest priority.

"This prudent decision has been taken in order to help protect the global rugby community and the wider public and was taken based on the World Health Organisation and relevant public authority travel and health guidelines. The decision is fully supported by stakeholders, including unions and commercial partners."

Coach Gordon Tietjen says it’s every team’s dream to play and win at the World Seven’s capital, the Hong Kong 7s.

Currently placed seventh in the World Series standings, Tietjen says they want to improve its performance to get automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The defending champions take on Kenya in pool play today and Australia and New Zealand tomorrow.

Coach Gareth Baber said Fiji had been training away from the limelight of central Hong Kong but were now hoping to be energised by their supporters.

"We deliberately went and stayed out of Hong Kong because of how busy it is. We needed to gain focus," Baber said.

"I haven't seen a huge amount of supporters yet. I know that come Friday and Saturday that will be a different case," he said.

The 13-man squad travelled to Hong Kong last weekend ahead of the tournament, which starts on  Friday. The winner of the competition will gain a place in next season’s World Rugby Series.

Captain Billy Dardis, Ian Fitzpatrick, Hugo Keenan, Terry Kennedy, Harry McNulty, Bryan Mollen, John O’Donnell and Mark Roche all ran out at Hong Kong Stadium last year, while Foster Horan was the 13th man.

Now in Hong Kong for the first time are Jordan Conroy, Adam Leavy, Mick McGrath and Greg O’Shea.

The 21 year-old last donned the Blue jersey in July, last year.

Also out to make his comeback is Tomasi Alosio, who returns from an injury sustained in the Sydney Sevens, while Siaosi Asofolau is also fit again after missing the last tournament in Vancouver.

Samoa will be meeting Scotland in the opening match of the tournament on Friday before meeting Japan on Saturday.

Their last pool game is against South Africa.

And, according to Holland, that is not a bad thing for two reasons: the best players possible are required for Olympic success, and secondly, competition for spots will only serve to help Australia’s current players by never letting them feel “safe".

"We haven’t got the results we wanted this year so it does open a little bit of a door up for some of those guys to come and give it a shot,” Holland said.

The Aussie men’s team head to Hong Kong this week, looking to win their first title at the iconic tournament since 1988.

The Moata'a fullback was recently named MVP of the Taula Apia Rugby Union competition.

Tomasi Alosio returns from an injury sustained in the Sydney Sevens, while Siaosi Asofolau is also fit again after missing the last tournament in Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Laaloi Leilua is set to make his first appearance on the World Series this season after last featuring at the Sevens World Cup in July.

Joe Perez and Gasologa Pelenato were ruled out through injury, with Danny Tusitala and Maauga Iamanu overlooked for the next two tournaments.