USA, South Africa, Australia, Samoa, New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Ireland are through to Sunday’s Cup quarter-finals
South Africa vs USA at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
Singapore, 10 April 2022 - Rugby fans in Singapore rejoiced yesterday with the official resumption of HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens after being postponed for two long years. Families and friends were in for a treat with a stellar line-up of matches, last minute victories and sensational tries.
The event kicked off with a disappointing loss from our Asian neighbours, Japan, with France leading 36-14. Notably, Japan went on to face a devastating loss against Fiji, the latter dominating 62-0. The skilled players performed with a lot of heart regardless but ultimately lacked in physicality, line speed and composure.
Japan faced a devastating loss against traditional powerhouses Fiji, going down 0-62 at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
Earlier in the day, Ireland earned a historic win against Fiji after Jordan Conroy tries along with an impressive performance by Terry Kennedy which sealed them a 21-12 win. Number 6 player, Billy Dardis, ecstatically remarked, “our win over Fiji was brilliant, definitely a good starting point, we’ll enjoy that one,” on World Rugby 7s Instagram.
Finally entering the 2022 Series were the Olympic champions, the New Zealand All Blacks with an anticipated showdown against the young and talented Bronze Olympic medalists from Argentina. Both teams displayed indefatigable and almost impenetrable defense, and slick offloads but New Zealand won by a close margin of 12-10. Both teams were triumphant in the remaining games, opening the possibility of a rematch.
England edged out Spain 19-14 on Day 1 of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
Performing splendidly this season, Australia, a crowd favourite, trumped all their games, strikingly, their solid defense and game speed completely battered England with a lead of 40-0.
Making their first series appearance, Samoa steadily recovered from a respectable loss against Australia and dominated England and Spain with brilliant bursts, strong defence and some well–timed grubber kicks that definitely stirred the crowd.
Japan went down to France 14-36 on Day 1 of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
The day ended on a high with an epic showdown between the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and the USA team, with RSA’s 36 match winning streak on the line. In a shocking turn of events, a nail-biting tie was broken by Perry Baker who swiftly received a smooth offload from Dmontae Noble and scored a try, driving the crowd mad.
Showcasing brilliant performances, USA, South Africa, Australia, Samoa, New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Ireland have successfully progressed to the Cup quarter-finals happening today, in what promises to be another outstanding day of world class action at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens.
Ireland ran Fiji ragged 21-12 on Day 1 of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
The finals day commences at 11:00 local time (GMT+8) on Sunday with Wales v England. The cup quarter-finals begin at 12:28, with Australia v Argentina followed by Fiji v South Africa, New Zealand v Samoa, and USA v Ireland. The cup semi-finals take place at 16:13 and the gold medal match kicks off at 19:27 (all times local).
Live Scores and Match Schedule
Rugby sevens fans around the world can watch the action via live stream on World Rugby digital platforms including www.world.rugby, YouTube and Facebook in countries where there is no national broadcaster covering the event.
Samoa triumphed against Spain 26-14 on Day 1 of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Where To Watch
In the first major sporting event since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Singapore, a maximum of 12,000 fans have been allowed inside the National Stadium on each day of competition to enjoy the first international rugby sevens in Singapore since 2019.
In addition to the thrilling rugby sevens displays on the pitch, there will also be family-friendly activities and programmes such as an inflatable playground and movie screenings on offer at the 100PLUS Promenade. Tickets are available at http://www.singapore7s.com.sg/tickets.
Rugby fans back in the stadium for the first time since the 2019 edition of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens. PHOTO: HSBC SINGAPORE RUGBY SEVENS
All spectators to HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens must be fully vaccinated1 and submit a selfadministered ART test result before entry into National Stadium. Individuals who are either (1) recovered from a COVID-19 infection within the past 180 days regardless of vaccination status, (2) medically ineligible for COVID-19 vaccination, (3) unvaccinated children aged 12 and below, can attend the event, and will also have to submit a negative self-administered ART test result before entry into National Stadium.
The self-administered ART test result must be submitted online and proof of submission via email receipt will be required for verification purposes at the venue entry point on Sunday.
Within the spectator stands, spectators will be required to be in groups of five people with safe distancing measures in the stands.