Australia through to Quarter Finals of HSBC Sydney 7s

Feb 6 • General News, International, Sevens Rugby, Sevens World Series, World Rugby • 1837 Views • Comments Off on Australia through to Quarter Finals of HSBC Sydney 7s

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The Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens team is through to the Quarter Finals of the inaugural HSBC Sydney 7s, going undefeated throughout day one after finishing the day with a dramatic 17-17 draw against New Zealand.

In a thrilling final match of the day, a delirious home crowd were on the edge of their seats as the men in gold jumped out to a 17-5 half time lead before eventually surrendering a late lead when Hurricanes forward Ardie Savea crossed on the final siren to force a 17-all draw.

Australia defeated Portugal (24-7), Canada (26-12) and finished the day with a draw against New Zealand (17-17) in their three matches and were edged by the All Blacks Sevens into second place in Pool A.

36, 218 entered through the turnstiles of Allianz Stadium taking in the fantastic carnival atmosphere as Sydney embraced the inaugural event. The theme for the day was “go global” and supporters from all walks of life adorned costumes from all over the world in a sea of colour and noise.

Australia will play an injury-ravaged England in the Cup Quarter Final tomorrow at 12.19pm AEDT.

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend said his troops were disappointed to come away with the draw after jumping out of the blocks against the New Zealanders.

“I think what we were disappointed with is that we worked so hard and got so close but it wasn’t enough.

“With a quality team like New Zealand you have to play right until the 14th minute otherwise they’ll get you.

“Credit to them they are a good football side and that’s why they have been World Champions.”

On looking towards the clash with England, who are down to ten men for the remainder of the tournament, Friend urged caution: “They are a very good team and they are going to be tough.

“The big goal for us is to win the Quarter (Final). We haven’t won one this year and it is a big focus for us.”

Australian Captain Ed Jenkins echoed the sentiment of the new Head Coach after letting New Zealand off the hook in the final Pool A clash.

“For us to come that close, we probably should’ve shut them out at the end of the game a bit disappointing. But we can look at it the way we didn’t lose a game today so going into tomorrow we should have a lot of confidence in that quarter final against England.

“We built on each performance going through the day, moving in the right direction. It’s going to be a big first up game tomorrow morning. We’re going to rest up and stick close and try and do a job on England tomorrow.”

Australia started their campaign on home turf in tense fashion against a passionate Portugal side.

After a nervous few minutes for Australia, Cameron Clark scored Australia’s first ever try at the HSBC Sydney 7s to open up a 7-0 lead. With the “Clarky Army” camped in the Eastern Stand at Allianz Stadium, the star attraction was at again moments later to take the score to 14-0.

The second half saw Portugal come out with much more aggression scoring a try underneath the posts to cut the deficit to 14-7. Allan Fa’alava’au ended any Portuguese rebellion with a try taking the final score to 24-7.

Canada had a point to prove after losing to the Aussies in Wellington last week and made of point of trying to match Australia’s physicality early in the match. After defending stoutly for the opening four mintues, the Canadians eventually cracked when Lewis Holland crossed for the first try of the match to give Australia a 5-0 lead.

Canada countered quickly with some excellent play between the hands exposing the Australian defence out wide to take a 7-5 lead.
With the halftime siren ringing, Holland dummied his way through the defence again to run away untouched to score his second try and give Australia a 12-7 lead.

Holland continued his excellent run of form with another blistering run, creating an attacking opportunity as he unselfishly unloaded the ball to Henry Speight who scored Australia’s third try.

A final blow dealt by Aussie flyer Henry Hutchison took the final score to 26-12.

The stage was set for an epic clash to end the day with Pool A honours on the line between the Trans-Tasman rivals. New Zealand shot out to an early lead with a try to Rieko Ioane in the opening minutes as they exposed the Australian defence out wide.

Australia countered with its own brilliance with a Captain’s knock from Ed Jenkins as powered his way over in the corner to level the scores at 5-5.

With momentum with the men in the gold, Australia continued to apply the pressure and after a patient attacking raid in New Zealand’s half, Holland again proved himself on the big stage as he surged through the line to score Australia’s second try and take the score to 12-5.

With the home crowd using everything left in their lungs to cheer on the home side Australia scored a final try in the first half through James Stannard to extend the lead to 17-5 at the break.

The bounce of the ball was kinder to New Zealand in the second half, finding possession and territory within Australia’s defensive zone. Eventually the visitors were rewarded through an Augustine Pulu try to close the gap to 10-17.

A penalty against the Aussies with 30 seconds left on the clock gave New Zealand a strong opportunity to force the draw and it was a brilliant dash by Ardie Savea who crossed the line with the full time siren ringing across the stadium.

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens results in Sydney, Australia, February 6:
Australia 24-7 Portugal, Pool A
Australia 26-12 Canada, Pool A
Australia 17-17 New Zealand, Pool A

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens next fixture at the HSBC Sydney 7s:
Australia v England, Cup Quarter-Final, 12.19pm AEDT