All Blacks qualify for Olympics with win, as Fiji beat Samoa to claim bronze medal
PHOTO: WORLD RUGBY
Singapore, 9 April 2023 – New Zealand took home the title of champions at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2023 in an electrifying weekend of spectacular rugby.
The All Blacks Sevens reclaimed the Singapore title they once owned in 2005, with a thrilling 19-17 defeat of Argentina. Their undefeated winning streak this weekend also guaranteed their spot at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, after a pulsating second day at Singapore Sports Hub.
Brady Rush scored the decisive try in the Cup final against Argentina as the All Blacks Sevens secured their first HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title in Singapore since 2005.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
Samoa’s Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina meant the All Blacks Sevens were already assured of their place in Paris before taking the field for their last-four match against Fiji.
Buoyed by becoming the first men’s team other than hosts France to book their ticket to the Games, New Zealand won their semi-final 19-10 to set up a third gold medal match of the 2023 Series against Los Pumas Sevens.
The teams’ 2023 Cup final head-to-head was tied at 1-1 going into the showpiece match in Singapore, but it was New Zealand who started fastest as they stormed into a 12-0 lead.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
However, the All Blacks Sevens conceded a try to Joaquin Pellandini and then, with Dylan Collier in the sin-bin, allowed German Schulz to narrow that advantage to just two points.
Rush, though, capitalised on an errant Argentine lineout to stretch New Zealand’s lead beyond a converted try with less than six minutes left.
Los Pumas Sevens pushed hard for a third try but by the time it came, through Marcos Moneta, it had no impact on the result and the All Blacks Sevens could celebrate a second tournament title in as many weeks.
“All the boys know that we represent our families, our friends and everyone back in New Zealand,” Collier said. “It was a huge effort these last two weeks and to go back-to-back is just an awesome effort.”
PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
Victory stretches New Zealand’s lead at the top of the standings to 24 points. With a maximum of 42 available in Toulouse and London, it means the All Blacks Sevens would tie up the overall Series title if they reach the Cup final in France next month.
Over the past two days, close to 40,000 fans enjoyed the fun-filled air and vibrant energy of the Family Sevens that reverberated across the Singapore Sports Hub. Fans cheered their lungs out for their favourite teams, explored the plethora of family-friendly activities at the 100PLUS Promenade, and even jammed out to live performances at OCBC Square. Fans showcased their creativity through costumes with Teletubbies, giant bumblebees, human hot-dogs, Easter bunnies and many more strutting their stuff in the stands.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
In addition, as part of the activities, the Titans Ruck and Rumble also saw players of the future having the opportunity to compete on the National Stadium’s world class pitch. In a series of tournaments for under 8s to under 18s we saw young players putting their best boot forward, bringing vigour and power to all their games.