Sydney Sevens Day Two: As it happened

Sat, Jan 28, 2023, 9:11 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Sydney Sevens Tournament Breakdown

Day two of the Sydney Sevens gets underway after its long-awaited return.

Both Australian teams shrugged off the nerves and went through the opening day unbeaten.

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The Men will open their account against Canada before the Women conclude their pool action against Ireland.

Day two will end with the quarter-finals as teams look to book their spot in the final four

Follow all the action in the live blog below or catch the action on beIN Sports and Kayo Sports.


9:03 - Australia 14-17 France

A penalty goal after the siren has given France a 17-14 victory over Australia

Australia fought until the end but were pinged for holding on, allowing Thomas Carol to step up and slot it

Starters: Clements, Lawson, Paterson, Josh Turner, Longbottom, James Turner, Roache

2': Theo Forner burns away from the defence for the opener France 7-0

3': Tim Clements makes good use of his elevation to the starting side as he touches down 7-all

5': Aussies go on the attack but some great cover defence from France halts their momentum on the 22.

7': Josh Turner holds the defence just enough to slide over the line Australia 14-7

10': Forner makes it double to level the scores 14-all

14+2': France get a penalty after the siren and nail it France 17-14

8:55 - Fiji 26-14 Great Britain

Fiji are into the semi-finals following their 26-14 win over Great Britain

In the first match-up between the two teams on the World Series, Vuiviawa Naduvalo got the Fijians off to a flyer as they took a 19-7 lead over GB into the break.

Manueli Maisamoa's quick feet extended the advantage for the Fijians before Ben Homer got GB back into the contest.

However, it was too little, too late as Fiji books their place in the semis against South Africa.

8:25 - South Africa 26-12 Ireland

South Africa have defeated a valiant Ireland 26-12

Christie Grobbelaar got the Blitzboks off to the perfect start, scoring a double as they took a 19-7 lead into the break.

Andrew Smith delighted the large contigency of Irish fans after finishing off a great team try, however, it was too little, too late as the South Africans got the job done after a controversial try from Jaiden Baron.

7:55 - New Zealand 12-0 Samoa

New Zealand have advanced to the semi-finals with a 12-0 win over Samoa.

Roderick Solo scored the lone try of the half as both teams threw the ball around at will.

As the game turned into an arm-wrestle, the class of the Kiwis shone through as Ngarohi McGarvey-Black sealed the win

7:20 - New Zealand 33-0 Japan

New Zealand are one step closer to the Sydney title with a 33-0 win over Japan.

Young gun Jorja Miller crossed for a double as they never looked troubled against Japan.

It ensures they will extend their lead at the top of the World Series after Australia's elimination in the quarter-finals.

7:00 - Ireland 26-12 Fiji

Ireland have powered home to a 26-12 victory over Fiji.

The injection of Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe came at a perfect time, producing a second-half double.

Eve Higgins completed the strong performance to book their spot in the semi-finals.

6:40 - Australia 5-10 France

France have eliminated the Australians, taking a 10-5 victory to stun Sydney.

The French were dominant throughout the contest, trapping the Australians in their 22 as they pull off the upset win.

Read about the performance here

Starters: Williams, Nathan, Ashby, Caslick, Maddison Levi, Terita, Lefau-Fakaosilea

3': France dominating the early minutes but the Aussies' defence holds strong

5': The French go close but a great try-saver from Charlotte Caslick forces the mistake

6': Charlotte Caslick is yellow-carded for a high tackle

6': Australia holding tough trapped in their 22, Williams and Lefau-Fakaosilea dragging Yengo into touch

7': A lapse at the lineout time gifts Chloé Pelle a try on the siren France 5-0

12': France extend the lead via Carla Neisen France 10-0

13': Faith Nathan runs the length of the field to get one back for the Aussies France 10-5

6:15 - USA 10-5 Great Britain

USA have backed up their Pool heroics with a narrow 10-5 victory over Great Britain.

Naya Tapper got them off to a great start before a yellow card to Jasmine Joyce provided the perfect chance for Kristi Kirshe to strike.

A late Jasmine Joyce try set up the grandstand finish, with the Americans surviving the final minute to secure the win.

5:50 - Australia 29-10 Argentina

Australia have booked their place in the quarters with a 29-10 win over Argentina.

However, they have likely lost Henry Hutchison for the rest of the tournament after collapsing on the ground with a knee injury

Read about the performance here

5:15 - Great Britain 33-5 Canada

Great Britain have recorded a thumping 33-5 win over Canada

Needing a big win, GB stunned the Canadians with three quick tries as Max McFarland crossed for a double.

Whilst Canada showed some fight, it was all Great Britain as captain Robbie Fergusson sealed the win

4:55 - Fiji 19-12 France

Fiji have held on for a 19-12 win over France.

In a tight encounter, a double to Jonathan Laugel kept the French in at until the end as they fought for top spot in Pool D.

In the end, the Fijians found an answer via Josese Batirerega to come away with the win.

4:35 - Tonga 26-12 Japan

Tonga have rebounded with a 26-12 win over Japan

Japan started strong with two quick tries before the invitational team mounted a comeback.

Kyren Taumoefolau crossed for a second-half double as they secured their first win of Sydney

4:10 - South Africa 17-14 New Zealand

A last-gasp penalty have given South Africa a 17-14 victory over New Zealand.

In the match of the day, the scores were locked at 14-all when Zain Davids streaked away to score.

With scores level, a crucial ruck penalty gave the Blitzboks a kick from right in front, with Dalvon Blood making no mistake

3:45 - Kenya 24-19 Uruguay

Kenya have held on for a 24-19 victory over Uruguay.

Uruguay started strong to take a 14-5 lead into the break before a Nelson Oyoo got the Kenyans back into the contest.

With the game in the balance, Anthony Omondi proved the difference maker to secure the win.

3:25 - Ireland 26-0 USA

Ireland have advanced to the knockout stages with a 26-0 win over USA.

The win was set up by a double to World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Terry Kennedy as they dominated the Americans, who will miss the finals.

Mark Roche completed the demolition with two minutes to go to the delight of the strong Irish contingency.

3:00 - Samoa 35-15 Spain

Samoa have secured top spot of their pool with a 35-15 win over Spain.

Taunuu Niulevaea set the tempo in the opening minute as the Cape Town champions lit up Sydney.

A double to Owen Niue put the result out of question as they continue their strong tournament

1:55 - Australia 43-7 Ireland

Australia have dominated Ireland, running away with the 43-7 victory.

Defending Player of the Year Charlotte Caslick finished with a double as they top Pool C.

Read more about the performance here

1:50 - Brazil 31-5 Spain

Brazil has recorded a 31-5 win over Spain.

Thalia Costa opened the scoring in a tighter encounter than the scoreline reflects.

Four second half tries sealed the victory for Brazil, who narrowly miss out on advancing to the knock out stages on points difference

1:30 - New Zealand 27-10 Japan

New Zealand lock up Pool A with a 27-10 win over Japan.

Michaela Blyde continues to shine, scoring a hat-trick as she keeps pace with Maddison Levi on the try-scoring table.

Shiray Kaka sealed the win late in the game, with the Japanese scoring twice late.

1:10 - France 41-7 PNG

France have secured a 41-7 win over Papua New Guinea.

Grisez opened France's account in the opening minute, quickly adding her second as they took a 22-0 lead into the break.

The 26-year-old added a third at the start of the second half as the French easily secured the win.

PNG had something to celebrate late in the game, when Alice Alois raced away to the delight of the Sydney crowd.

12:45 - Great Britain 10-12 USA

The USA have pulled off a late 12-10 victory over Great Britain to ensure their spot in the finals.

The Americans faced a nervous wait when Jasmine Joyce sprinted away to put them in front.

Needing a response, superstar Ilona Maher proved the difference-maker, powering her way over the line to secure the win

12:25 - Fiji 34-7 Canada

The Women's action kicks off with a cracker as Fiji run away with the 34-7 win over Canada to the delight of the crowd.

Reapi Ulunisau crossed for a double as the Fijians finish the group stages on a high.

11:55 - Argentina 19-26 Great Britain

Great Britain have stunned Hamilton champions Argentina with a 26-19 victory.

The game looked set to end in a draw when Max McFarland crossed for GB with two minutes to go.

However, an Argentina mistake opened the door for GB to strike, with Kaleem Barreto winning the foot race to seal the win

11:12 - Australia 22-7 Canada

Australia have come back to record a 22-7 win over Canada

A double to James Turner got the Aussies back in front after an early yellow card, with Henry Hutchison finishing the game in style.

Read more about the performance here

11:10 - France 38-0 Tonga

France and Fiji will battle for top spot of Pool D after a comfortable 38-0 win over Tonga

Stephen Parez Edo Martin set the tempo with a first-half double as the French imposed their will on the invitational team.

William Iraguha continued his strong tournament with a try after the break, sealing the victory with his second on the siren.

10:50 - Fiji 52-0 Japan

Fiji have cemented their status as the form team of Sydney with a crushing 52-0 win over Japan.

They were electric whenever they touched the ball, with Josese Batirerega crossing for an early double to delight a large contingency of fans at Allianz Stadium

This continued into the second half as they brought up the half-century in style via Sevuloni Mocenacagi's second of the match

10:30 - New Zealand 33-0 Kenya

New Zealand maintain their impressive form to record a 33-0 win over Kenya

The Kiwis were dominant from the opening minute as Akuila Rokolisoa and Sione Molia scored two quick tries.

A great solo effort from Roderick Solo capped off the strong victory, setting up the all-important clash with South Africa for top of Pool B.

10:10 - South Africa 28-5 Uruguay

South Africa have rallied to take a 28-5 victory over Uruguay.

After end-to-end action, Ricardo Duarttee got the Blitzboks on the board after an early try to Diego Arado

Duarttee and Dalvon Blood crossed for doubles in the second half as they ensure their place in the knockouts ahead of a crucial clash with NZ

9:45 - Samoa 26-7 USA

Samoa have all but wrapped up Pool C with a 26-7 win over the USA.

The Samoans raced out to a 19-0 lead at the break, stunning the Americans to the delight of the crowd.

Tuna Tuitama's second of the day sealed the win for Samoa

9:20 - Ireland 26-0 Spain

Ireland have started the day with a 26-0 win over Spain

The Irish opened the scoring via Andrew Smith as they looked to rebound from their defeat to Samoa.

Further tries to Jack Kelly and Jordan Conroy extended the lead, keeping their knockout stage dreams alive.

8:50 - Schedule for today

Day two sees the final pool matches conclude along with the start of the finals

In the opening session of the day, USA and Samoa loom as the pick of the games, with Ireland kicking off the day against Spain.

For the Women, Australia v Ireland is the match to watch to decide Pool C.

Check out all the details below.

Saturday Men's Schedule
Saturday Women's Schedule
Saturday Men's Schedule 2
8:45 - The action resumes

Day two of the Sydney Sevens is nearly underway after an exciting opening day of play.

Whilst void of any major upsets outside of Fiji over USA, there were plenty of close encounters to keep the fans excited as we build into the knockout stages.

Warmer conditions are expected for today, with around 20k set to be in attendance.

Check below for all the details for the Australian teams.

Australian Sevens Squads for Sydney

Women

Charlotte Caslick (Co-captain)

Demi Hayes (Co-captain)

Madison Ashby

Lily Dick

Dominique Du Toit

Tia Hinds

Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea

Maddison Levi

Teagan Levi

Faith Nathan

Sariah Paki

Bienne Terita

Sharni Williams

Men's

Henry Hutchison

Stu Dunbar

Dietrich Roache

Tim Clements

Henry Paterson

Josh Turner

Dally Bird

Maurice Longbottom

Nathan Lawson

James Turner

Ben Marr

Simon Kennewell

Darby Lancaster

Australian Sevens Sydney Schedule

*All times AEDT

Women

Friday, January 27

Australia Women v Brazil Women, 1:50 pm

Australia Women v Spain Women, 8:03 pm

Saturday, January 28

Australia Women v Ireland Women, 1:56 pm

Men

Friday, January 27

Australia Men v Great Britain Men, 4:34 pm

Saturday, January 28

Australia Men v Canada Men, 11:12 am

Australia Men v Ireland Men, 5:17 pm

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