SINGAPORE — The first HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series men’s action since January certainly did not disappoint with thrilling matches, last minute victories and stunning tries on day one of the fifth round of the Series at the National Stadium in Singapore.
USA, South Africa, Australia, Samoa, New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Ireland have made it through to
Sunday’s Cup quarter-finals in what promises to be another outstanding day of world class action at
the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens.
In the last game of the day in Pool A, USA speedster Perry Baker scored in the final seconds to end
South Africa’s incredible winning streak of 36 matches stretching back to last season.
Australia, New Zealand and the USA topped their pools with perfect win records on day one of the.
While Olympic champions Fiji and fellow pacific islanders Samoa also qualified for the quarter-finals
on their first Series appearances of the year.
USA’s winning try was set-up by a superb offload by Dmontae Noble and Perry Baker went over with
the clock in the red to see his side come out on top 12-7 and bring to an end the second longest
winning streak in Series history.
Earlier on Saturday Ireland defeated Fiji for the first time ever after two Jordan Conroy tries and an
excellent individual score from Terry Kennedy sealed a 21-12 victory for the Irish.
Fiji bounced back to win their next two matches, a scintillating 26-19 victory over France, followed by
a 62-0 thrashing of a tired Japan, Fiji setting their new record Series winning margin by running in ten
unanswered tries and making a statement that they are back in business after missing the last two
rounds.
For rugby sevens fans it was exciting to see 2020 Series title winners New Zealand get their Series
campaign underway, winning three from three to top Pool B and looking like they had never been
away.
Australia were in impressive form to win pool C with a trio of victories, overcoming Samoa 26-17,
before beating Spain 28-12 and putting an under-par England to the sword by a 40-0 scoreline.
South Africa will be looking to recover from Saturday’s defeat as they face Fiji in a mouthwatering
quarter-final clash on Sunday and they will be aiming to repeat their title winning performance the
last time Singapore hosted the Series in 2019.
The Blitzboks have been in unstoppable form so far in the 2022 Series with four consecutive
tournament victories to lead the Series standings with a maximum of 88 points.
Singapore Sevens Media Release
Photo credit: Singapore Sevens
