HSBC Sevens World Series – Hong Kong Sevens
Super Samoa romp to their third title in a row
Samoa held their nerve on a thrilling day two in Hong Kong to make it a hat-trick of HSBC Sevens World Series titles in a row and take the overall lead from New Zealand.
Stephen Betham’s Samoa side edged the Kiwi’s 24-21 in the Cup final, soon after an end-to-end 28-24 win over England in the semi-final of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.
Samoan speedster Mikaele Pesamino was again at his clinical best, his try in the final one of eight in the tournament and taking his tally to 47 so far this term.
The South Sea Islanders lead the overall standings for the first time in the 11-year history of the HSBC Sevens World Series, taking a three point lead in the final two rounds in London and Scotland.
Coach Betham saw his side comeback from 14-0 down in the final and said the new composure of his side made the difference
"It's indescribable, it tops it all," he said.
"[At 14-0 down] I sent a message onto the guys that as long as we got points before half time we were still in with a chance, and just to keep their cool. Twenty minutes is a long time and I take my hat off to them.
"Composure is something that was missing before in Samoan rugby but we're working on their mental abilities, especially to overcome mental barriers, and we're slowly achieving that.
"We've still got two to go, still a long way to go, but we'll enjoy the win."
Else where Australia beat South Africa in the Plate final for the third time this season to keep their Series podium charge alive; Canada saw off Wales 35-19 to win the Bowl title; and Hong Kong raised a massive cheer in the crowd by beating Russia 19-17 to clinch the Shield title.
The full results of all matches at the Hong Kong Sevens are available on the IRB website.
England in Hong Kong
A much-improved England suffered Hong Kong heartbreak, narrowly going down 28-24 to Samoa in the Cup semi final.
Each side scored four tries – Chris Brightwell, Oliver Lindsay-Hague, Mat Turner and James Rodwell for England – but Samoa’s superior kicking edged the win.
Spurred on by a passionate ex-pat contingent in the 40,000 crowd, Ben Ryan’s side started well, cruising to wins over Hong Kong, Japan and Wales.
Cambridge’s Tom Powell grabbed the winner to overcome Australia in the Cup quarter final to set up the clash with eventual winners Samoa.
England shared the scoring around in Hong Kong with Lindsay-Hague, Rodwell and Nick Royle each bagging five tries. As ever, all-time IRB Sevens World Series leading scorer Ben Gollings was England’s chief points getter, scoring 33 points.
England sit fifth overall in the HSBC Sevens World Series standings with 74 points and will being hoping for a strong showing on their home leg on May 22/23 to close the gap on Australia (78) and Fiji (94) in the hunt for a podium finish.
