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TOKYO 2020

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Wednesday 28th July 2021 - Tokyo Stadium
KO: 18:00 HT: 12-19

HOW IT HAPPENED MINUTE BY MINUTE…

NZL vs FIJ We can see the finish line! And because it's the final, there are national anthems before the match gets underway. Can Fiji make it the Gold medal double 🤔
NZL 0 - 0 FIJ 1min Fiji, the current title holders, kick off this match and immediately the ball finds touch for a NZ defensive lineout...which they win...
NZL 0 - 5 FIJ 2mins NZ might have thought they'd secured the ball but it's ripped from their hands, passed out to Derenalagi who flies over in the corner 🏉 But there's no conversion just yet...
NZL 0 - 10 FIJ 3mins The restart is retaliated by Fiji who chip ahead, over the whitewash, chased by Knewstubb but it looks like he doesn't ground it so Maqala does! And the officials confirm it's a good score 🏉
NZL 5 - 12 FIJ 4mins Bolaca adds the conversion 💥 But NZ have other plans and captain Curry sprints from the midfield to score one for his side immediately 🏉
NZL 5 - 12 FIJ 5mins But there's no conversion on the Kiwi side's first attempt either 🙊
NZL 5 - 19 FIJ 6mins It's impossible to type as fast as Flying Fijians can score, this time Wainiqolo who lands the score and Bolaca adds another conversion... 🏉💥
NZL 12 - 19 FIJ 9mins High tackles fly all over the pitch from Fiji, giving NZ the attacking advantage, and maybe not as swiftly as before, but Molia does find the path to score & Knewstubb converts in extra time 🏉💥

NZL 12 - 19 FIJ HT T: Scott, Molia C: Knewstubb | T: Derenalagi, Maqala, Wainiqolo C: Bolaca (2)

NZL 12 - 19 FIJ 2mins It's a strong start for NZ as they may not score swiftly, but they attack with ball in hand, and are preventing Fiji from getting close to stealing back possession
NZL 12 - 19 FIJ 3mins Eventually the ball is secured by Fiji and they've brought on their power runners in Tuivuaka and Tuimaba, Nacuqu already on after HT and they attack right up to the NZ 22 before time is halted...
NZL 12 - 19 FIJ 4mins It's a NZ put in to the scrum on their own 22 after more changes are made and the sprint is on, but Fiji shut down their opposition and take back possession and charge back into NZ territory...
NZL 12 - 24 FIJ 6mins ...and it's the spritely beast that is Tuivuaka who finds the whitewash for Fiji 🏉 There's no conversion but does that matter now?!
NZL 12 - 27 FIJ FT Fiji give nothing away to NZ and they win a penalty deep in Kiwi territory just as the clock approaches time, so they decide to take an almost unheard of penalty kick at the uprights to solidify their Gold medal 💥
Tokyo 2020 Rugby BRONZE 🥉 ARG | SILVER 🥈 NZL | GOLD 🥇 & Olympics Champions 2021 FIJI! CONGRATULATIONS Fiji Rugby 🎉🏆🍾

1 Scott Curry (C) 2 Tim Mikkelson (C) 5 Dylan Collier 8 Andrew Knewstubb 9 Regan Ware 11 Joe Webber 12 Sione Molia BENCH: 3 Tone Ng Shiu 4 Etene Nanai-Seturo 6 Ngarohi McGarvey-Black 7 Nicole Amanaki 10 Kurt Baker

SCORERS T: Harris, Lindsay-Hague C: Bibby

1 Josua Vakurunabili 2 Iosefo Masi 4 Jiuta Wainiqolo 6 Meli Derenalagi 9 Jerry Tuwai (C) 12 Napolioni Bolaca 13 Sireli Maqala BENCH: 3 Kalione Nasoko 5 Asaeli Tuivuaka 7 Vilimoni Botitu 8 Waisea Nacuqu 11 Aminiasi Tuimaba

SCORERS T: Bazán Velez, Moneta, Mendy C: Mare

Referee: Damon Murphy (AUS) Asst Referees: Jordan Way (AUS), Richard Haughton (GBR) IGJs: Nori Hashimoto (JPN), Suguru Kamamuta (JPN)

 

 

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GREAT BRITAIN 12 - 17 ARGENTINA

Wednesday 28th July 2021 - Tokyo Stadium
KO: 17:30 HT: 5-12

HOW IT HAPPENED MINUTE BY MINUTE…

GBR vs ARG The Pumas having put on such a feisty, spectacular and surprising show so far, especially in crunch matches that have brought them within a whisper of a medal, expect fireworks! 🎉 Especially vs RIO2016's Silver winners
GBR 5 - 0 ARG 1min Team GB kick off and make an excellent start with Dan Norton charging down one side and Ben Harris belting down touch to score already 🏉 No extras tho...
GBR 5 - 0 ARG 3mins Penalty for GB and they have an attacking scrum, but they slip up and instead of charging into the Pumas 22, they're now defending their own territory, outside their 22
GBR 5 - 0 ARG 4mins And defend it well they do - the ball double-tackled away and they go to escape their own half, but it doesn't go to plan and the Pumas have possession
GBR 5 - 5 ARG 5mins From outside the 22, the Pumas attack swiftly and Bazan Velez breaches the goal line to score 🏉 The conversion is from touch and it misses its mark
GBR 5 - 12 ARG 7mins Blink and you'll miss it! It's Moneta yet again - as he has all tournament - who runs in a simply unhindered try under the posts 🏉 And Mare adds the extras; GB are saved from a 3rd try just before the whistle 🙊

GBR 5 - 12 ARG HT T: Harris | T: Bazán Velez, Moneta C: Mare

GBR 5 - 12 ARG 1min Play starts but is halted as Argentinian captain Alvarez is down injured...
GBR 5 - 12 ARG 2mins GB attack well from the midfield, Davis chips ahead but as he collects he knocks it on, Pumas ball and advantage being played...
GBR 10 - 12 ARG 3mins Advantage is over, possession is reversed, Pumas miss a tackle and GB throw the ball out wide for Lindsay-Hague to charge in under the posts 🏉
GBR 12 - 17 ARG 4mins Bibby adds the conversion 💥 But the Pumas hit back hard with some electric skills, Mendy nimbly galloping to cross the whitewash to take the lead again 🏉
GBR 12 - 17 ARG 6mins The conversion is missed again, but soon the Pumas have an attacking scrum and they can secure the win with a minute to go...
GBR 12 - 17 ARG FT ...but the ball is stolen at the scrum 🙊 But the Pumas aren't done yet and will not let GB win this one at the death; the clock turns red and they kick to touch for the win and the deserved Bronze medal!

2 Ben Harris 3 Alex Davis 4 Dan Norton 7 Dan Bibby (C) 9 Ollie Lindsay-Hague 11 Ethan Waddleton 12 Harry Glover BENCH: 1 Max McFarland 5 Ross McCann 8 Alec Coombes 10 Robbie Fergusson 13 Tom Bowen

SCORERS T: Harris, Lindsay-Hague C: Bibby

1 Rodrigo Isgro 2 Lucio Cinti 4 Ignacio Mendy 6 Santiago Alvarez (C) 7 Lautaro Bazan Velez 10 Santiago Mare 12 Marcos Moneta BENCH: 3 German Schulz 5 Rodrigo Etchart 11 Luciano Gonzalez 13 Felipe del Mestre (S) Gaston Revol

SCORERS T: Bazán Velez, Moneta, Mendy C: Mare

Referee: James Doleman (NZL) Asst Referees: Matthew Rodden (HKG), Paolo Duarte (POR) IGJs: Ibuki Tetsuka (JPN), Mayumi Takahashi (JPN)

 

 

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EARLIER ON DAY 3...

THE All Blacks Sevens, who finished fifth at Rio 2016, made sure of their place in the medal match with an impressive 29-7 defeat of Great Britain in the semi-finals. New Zealand dominated possession for most of the match and led 14-7 at half-time after Scott Curry and Regan Ware touched down either side of a Dan Norton score. Great Britain won silver five years ago, but their hopes of at least emulating that success were ended in the second period as Ware, Dylan Collier and co-captain Curry crossed the whitewash to put the seal on a dominant victory.

The All Blacks Sevens were guaranteed a first men’s Olympic sevens medal, but they had to overcome the defending champions if they wanted to make it gold.

Fiji booked their place in the gold medal match with a 26-14 defeat of Argentina in the semi-finals, but were made to work hard for victory. Having raced into a 12-0 lead through tries from Sireli Maqala and Meli Derenalagi, Argentina -who the day pulled off a spectacular win over the Blitzboks despite being a man down for all but 2 minutes of the match- made another impressive comeback, Fiji conceding twice in the closing stages of the first period, to Marcos Moneta and Ignacio Mendy, and trailed 14-12 at the break. Jiuta Wainiqolo scored a breakaway try to put Fiji back in front in the second half, before Semi Radradra made sure of their place in the gold medal match with a score two minutes from time.

Argentina remained in the hunt for their first men’s Olympic sevens medal, and took on Great Britain in the bronze medal match at Tokyo Stadium.

SOUTH AFRICA SET UP USA REMATCH
The USA met South Africa in the fifth-place play-off after Mike Friday’s side won a see-saw encounter with Canada 21-14. Carlin Isles gave the USA the lead within three minutes, but Harry Jones struck on the stroke of half-time to level the score. Martin Iosefo and Justin Douglas traded tries at the end of the second period, and after Jones had been sin-binned Isles sprinted down the left wing to win it for the Americans.

The USA faced a rematch against South Africa, who beat them in the pool stage, after the Blitzboks held off an Australian comeback to win their fifth-place semi-final 22-19.

South Africa sprinted into a 17-0 half-time lead thanks to tries from captain Siviwe Soyizwapi and two from Ronald Brown. Australia narrowed the deficit to five points in the second period as Lachie Miller and Josh Turner crossed the whitewash, but JC Pretorius’ breakaway effort meant that Maurice Longbottom’s late score was nothing more than consolation.

Next up for Australia was the seventh-place play-off against Canada.

JAPAN WIN AS KENYA WRAP UP NINTH
In the opening match of day three, hosts Japan recovered from 7-0 and 12-7 down to record their first win of Tokyo 2020 and condemn the Republic of Korea to 12th place. A yellow card for Andre Jin Coquillard, who had opened the scoring, on the stroke of half-time proved decisive as Ryota Kano and Chihito Matsui crossed either side of the break to give Japan a 26-12 lead. Jose Seru and Jang Seongmin were both sent to the sin bin in the second period before Kazushi Hano’s late try put the seal on a 31-19 win for the hosts.

Ireland had missed out on a place in the medal quarter-finals despite beating Kenya 12-7 in the pool stage, but they had no answer to the Shujaa Sevens in the ninth-place play-off. Johnstone Olindi scored the first try of the match at the end of the first half, and the Kenyans ran in three further scores in the second as Jacob Ojee, Willy Ambaka and Daniel Taabu all crossed the whitewash. Kenya captain Andrew Amonde’s final act on an international sevens pitch was a missed conversion in front of the posts, but it mattered little as his side won 22-0.

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RO KOREA		19 - 31		JAPAN	11th PL SF2
[12] T: Coquillard, Jeongmin Jang, Jeong C: Coquillard (2) Coquillard, Seongmin Jang [11] T: Tuqiri, Hikosaka, Matsui, Kano, Hano C: Kano (3) Seru
IRELAND		0 - 22		KENYA	9th PL SF2
[10] - [9] T: Olindi, Ojee, Ambaka, Taabu C: Olindi
CANADA		14 - 21		USA	5th PLACE
T: Jones, Douglas C: Hirayama (2) Jones T: Isles (2), Iosefo C: Hughes (3)
SOUTH AFRICA		22 - 19		AUSTRALIA	5th PLACE
T: Soyizwapi, Brown (2), Pretorius C: Geduld T: Miller, Turner, Longbottom C: Miller, Longbottom
NEW ZEALAND		29 - 7		GREAT BRITAIN	SF1
T: Curry (2), Ware (2), Collier C: Knewstubb (2) T: Norton C: Bibby
ARGENTINA		14 - 26		FIJI	SF2
T: Moneta, Mendy C: Mare (2) T: Maqala, Derenalagi, Wainiqolo, Radradra C: Bolaca, Tuwai, Botitu
CANADA		7 - 26		AUSTRALIA	7th PL PO
[8] T: Braid C: Hirayama [7] T: Lawson, Anderson, Malouf, Miller C: Coward, Longbottom (2) Pietsch
USA		7 - 28		SOUTH AFRICA	5th PL PO
[6] T: Tomasin C: Hughes [5] T: Geduld, Makata, Arendse, Gans C: Brown (2), du Preez (2)
GREAT BRITAIN		12 - 17		ARGENTINA	BRONZE
[4] T: Harris, Lindsay-Hague C: Bibby T: Bazán Velez, Moneta, Mendy C: Mare
NEW ZEALAND		12 - 27		FIJI	GOLD
T: Scott, Molia C: Knewstubb T: Derenalagi, Maqala, Wainiqolo, Tuivuaka C: Bolaca (2) P: Nacuqu

 

 

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RIO 2016 gold medallists Fiji remained in contention to retain the men’s Olympic sevens title following back-to-back victories on day two.

Fiji began the day with a win against Great Britain at Tokyo Stadium which confirmed top spot in Pool B. In the final match of the day, Jerry Tuwai scored his first two tries of the tournament to help the defending champions book their place in the medal semi-finals with a 19-0 defeat of Australia.

Argentina stand in the way of Fiji and a return to the gold medal match after the South Americans beat South Africa despite playing for more than 11 minutes with six players. Gaston Revol was shown a red card for a high tackle in the third minute of their quarter-final against the Blitzboks, but two Marcos Moneta tries helped them secure a 19-14 win.

Meanwhile Great Britain, who won the silver medal in Rio, recovered from losing captain Tom Mitchell to injury and going 21-0 down within five minutes of their last-eight match against the USA to win 26-21. Ollie Lindsay-Hague scored a crucial try on the stroke of half-time before Ben Harris, Alex Davis and Dan Norton breached the American defence in the second period. Great Britain play New Zealand with the victor heading into the gold medal match.

The All Blacks Sevens got their scoring done early against Canada, as first-half tries from Andrew Knewstubb and Scott Curry (two) set them on their way to a 21-10 victory.

Earlier in the afternoon session, Ireland coach Anthony Eddy rang the changes for his side’s ninth-place semi-final against the Republic of Korea but his side still came away with a 31-0 win. Victory set up a rematch against Kenya, who denied the Irish a place in the medal quarter-finals, on Wednesday after the Shujaa beat hosts Japan 21-7 in their ninth-place semi-final.

QUARTER-FINALS
NEW ZEALAND		21 - 10		CANADA	QF1
GREAT BRITAIN		26 - 21		USA	QF2
SOUTH AFRICA		14 - 19		ARGENTINA	QF3
FIJI		19 - 0		AUSTRALIA	QF4

BRAID HAT-TRICK HELPS CANADA THROUGH
In the opening match of day two Canada did what they needed to do to secure a quarter-final berth, Connor Braid’s hat-trick helping to secure a 36-12 win against Pool B rivals Japan. The hosts had been surprise semi-finalists at Rio 2016 but were knocked out of medal contention as Braid scored two of his side’s three first-half tries to give them a 19-0 lead at the break. After Kazushi Hano cut the deficit, Braid crossed for a third time before tries from Phil Berna and Justin Douglas confirmed Canada’s win. It was Japan captain Chihito Matsui who had the last say, however, as he streaked away to score the final try of the match.

Fiji, meanwhile, made sure of top spot in Pool B as they repeated their Rio 2016 gold medal match defeat of Great Britain, winning 33-7 at Tokyo Stadium. The defending champions needed to work hard to beat both Japan and Canada on day one, but came out in dominant mood on Tuesday. Asaeli Tuivuaka scored his second try in as many matches to set Fiji on their way and before the break both Sireli Maqala and Jiuta Wainiqolo touched down under the posts to help their side build a 19-0 lead. Tuivuaka crossed the whitewash for the second time in the match within a minute of the restart, but Great Britain were determined not to let the Fijians run away as they had done in Rio. Ben Harris got his team on the scoreboard, but as time ticked down the Fijian defence proved too strong and Aminiasi Tuimaba took advantage to score his side’s 13th try of the pool stage.

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NEW ZEALAND SEAL TOP SPOT IN POOL A
Argentina made sure of their place in the quarter-finals with a commanding 56-0 win against the Republic of Korea in Pool A. Lautaro Bazan Velez set the tone when he crossed for the quickest try of the tournament so far, touching down after just 18 seconds. Matías Osadczuk, Santiago Mare and Luciano Gonzalez would add further tries before half-time. Rodrigo Isgro crossed within 30 seconds of the restart, and German Schulz, Gaston Revol and Ignacio Mendy followed as Argentina compiled the biggest win in Olympic sevens history.

Australia knew a victory against New Zealand would guarantee them a place in the last eight, and Tim Walsh’s side started quickly in the final match of Pool A. Samu Kerevi crossed in the opening two minutes and Australia dominated the first half, with captain Nick Malouf adding a second try just over a minute before the break. But, Dylan Collier scored within 30 seconds of the second-half restart, and although he went to the sin-bin soon after, the All Blacks Sevens coped well while a man down. Indeed, Andrew Knewstubb scored the decisive try while New Zealand only had six players on the pitch, dancing through the Australian defence to score under the posts and adding the conversion to put his side into a 14-12 lead they would not relinquish.

1 2 3 4

HEARTBREAK FOR IRELAND AS SOUTH AFRICA WRAP UP POOL C
Ireland were left heartbroken at the end of their final Pool C match as despite beating Kenya 12-7, Vincent Onyala’s late try meant they missed out on a place in the quarter-finals on points difference. The Irish knew they needed to beat Kenya by more than seven points to be sure of qualification for the last eight, and made a perfect start as Hugo Lennox and Harry McNulty both scored in the opening three minutes. Ireland dominated possession for much of the match but were unable to add to their tally and when Onyala scored with less than two minutes to go it meant they needed to score again to go through. They were able to claim possession from the restart but as the ball was recycled to the left wing, Jordan Conroy knocked the ball on and into touch, and Irish medal hopes were over.

South Africa then secured top spot in Pool C, and a quarter-final against Argentina, when they beat the USA 17-12. The USA made a fast start to the final match of the pool stage and took the lead with a Joe Schroeder try. However, the Blitzboks levelled at the end of the first half as Selvyn Davids crossed the whitewash. Two quick fire tries, one from Stedman Gans and another for Davids, then allowed South Africa to take control of the match. Brett Thompson touched down under the posts to cut the USA’s deficit to five points but it was not enough to prevent defeat.

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THE Tokyo 2020 Olympic quarter-final line-up is taking shape following an enthralling opening day of rugby sevens at Tokyo Stadium that saw five teams make perfect starts to secure their places in the knock-out rounds.

Fiji, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa and USA all guaranteed their places in Tuesday’s quarter-finals by securing victories in both their matches on the opening day of Olympic action in Tokyo.

Great Britain are yet to concede a point in Tokyo, scoring 58 unanswered points following a pair of impressive 24-0 and 34-0 Pool B victories over Canada and Japan respectively.

Defending champions Fiji needed to come from behind to get their Tokyo 2020 campaign off to a winning start against hosts Japan, eventually running out 24-19 winners. And they followed up with a 28-14 victory over Canada.

In Pool A, Rugby World Cup Sevens and World Rugby Sevens Series champions New Zealand opened their Tokyo 2020 campaign with a pair of wins, beating the Republic of Korea 50-5 and overcoming Argentina 35-14.

South Africa scored five tries to kick off their Pool C campaign with a 33-14 win over Ireland and followed that with a 14-5 victory over African rivals Kenya in the final match of day one.

USA began their Olympic campaign with a 19-14 win against Kenya, and backed it up with a hard fought 19-17 victory against Ireland.

DEFENDING champions Fiji were one of five teams that finished day one of the men’s Olympic sevens tournament at Tokyo Stadium unbeaten.

Fiji came from behind to beat Japan in their opening match before winning another tight encounter against Canada to secure their place in Tuesday’s quarter-finals.

Pool B rivals Great Britain, meanwhile, will join them in the last eight having scored 58 unanswered points to record back-to-back victories as sevens’ second appearance at the Games began in style.

In Pool A, New Zealand booked a quarter-final spot with wins over the Republic of Korea and Argentina, while South Africa and the USA lead the way in Pool C having also made a perfect start to the tournament.

FIJI AND GREAT BRITAIN LEAD POOL B
IT took Fiji just 20 seconds to open the scoring in the opening match of the men’s tournament, as Jiuta Wainiqolo crossed the whitewash. Japan captain Chihito Matsui hit back within two minutes, and after Iosefo Masi had scored an unconverted try for the Fijians, Lote Tuqiri touched down as the hooter sounded to help give the home side a 14-12 half-time lead. Japan stretched their advantage early in the second period as Kameli Soejima powered down the left wing to score. Soejima’s intervention meant Fiji trailed by seven points, but the Rio 2016 gold medallists turned the tables with two tries in as many minutes from Waisea Nacuqu to win the match 24-19.

Gareth Baber’s side followed up that victory with a second against Canada in the afternoon session, but the defending champions were made to work hard for it. Fiji built a 14-0 lead through tries from Napolioni Bolaca and Wainiqolo, but Nathan Hirayama finished a flowing Canadian move on the stroke of halt-time to score his country’s first Olympic try. Canada spent much of the second half inside opposition territory, but Justin Douglas’ try was sandwiched between break away efforts for Aminiasi Tuimaba and Asaeli Tuivuaka which sealed a 28-14 win for Fiji.

It was a second defeat in two matches for Canada, who started their campaign with a 24-0 loss to Great Britain. Dan Norton opened the scoring at the end of a cagey first half of that match, and then added a second within seconds of the start of the second period. Tries from Ross McCann and Robbie Fergusson in the final two minutes of the match put some gloss on the win for Great Britain.

Harry Glover was the star of Great Britain’s second match of day one, as Tony Roques’ side recorded their biggest ever Olympic win, 34-0 against hosts Japan. Glover set up his side’s opening two tries, scored by Dan Bibby and Tom Mitchell, and then crossed for the third himself. He again provided the assist as Ben Harris scored Great Britain’s fourth try before Ethan Waddleton and Alex Davis put the seal on another impressive win.

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NEW ZEALAND IMPRESS IN POOL A
IN Pool A, Rugby World Cup Sevens and World Rugby Sevens Series champions New Zealand got their Tokyo 2020 campaign off to a winning start, beating the Republic of Korea 50-5. Andrew Knewstubb got the All Blacks Sevens on the scoreboard with a converted try before Yeon Sik Jeong found space down the right wing to score and cut the Korean deficit to two points. Tim Mikkelson got his first try of the Games at the end of the first half, and shortly after the restart Scott Curry was called on to deny another powerful run by Jeong. New Zealand were awarded a penalty try when Yong Heung Chang was sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on and went on to cross the whitewash another five times before the end as Mikkelson, William Warbrick (twice), Etene Nanai-Seturo and Ngarohi McGarvey-Black all touched down.

The All Blacks Sevens made it two out of two in the afternoon session, holding off swathes of Argentine pressure to win 35-14. Youth Olympic Games gold medallist Marcos Moneta scored an early try to give Argentina a 7-0 lead, before New Zealand hit back through McGarvey-Black and Sione Molia. Argentina again struck early in the second period as Luciano Gonzalez crossed the whitewash to help level the score at 14-14. But, that was as good as it got for the South Americans as Joe Webber, Mikkelson and Warbrick all touched down. No Kiwi has scored more Olympic tries than co-captain Mikkelson’s four.

Earlier on Monday, Argentina secured an impressive 29-19 defeat of Australia. The South Americans raced into a 24-0 half-time lead at Tokyo Stadium as Lucio Cinti, Matías Osadczuk, Moneta and Ignacio Mendy all breached the Australian defence. Tim Walsh’s side hit back in the second period, narrowing the deficit to five points as Josh Turner (twice) and Samu Kerevi crossed the whitewash. But, as Australia went in search of a potentially match-winning try, the ball broke to Lautaro Bazán Velez and he raced away to put the seal on an Argentine victory.

Australia redeemed themselves into third place in Pool A after they secured a big 42-5 win over the Koreans, which all but guarantees the Aussies will advance to Wednesday’s quarter-finals of the rugby sevens.

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SOUTH AFRICA AND USA UNBEATEN IN POOL C
SOUTH Africa, meanwhile, scored five tries to beat Ireland 33-14 and kick-off their Pool C campaign with victory on day one. Zain Davids opened the scoring for the Blitzboks before Impi Visser added a second try with less than six minutes gone. Gavin Mullin got Ireland on the board before the break, but it was South Africa who struck first in the second half as Justin Geldud rose highest to claim a cross-field kick and dot down. Terry Kennedy grabbed his first Olympic try to give Ireland hope of a comeback, but the Blitzboks made sure of victory with an expertly-taken Chris Dry effort and a late score from Stedman Gans.

The Blitzboks raced into a 14-0 lead in the final match of the day, against Kenya, but were made to withstand serious pressure in the second period to hold on to the win. Collins Injera scored for Kenya on the stroke of half-time but despite their best efforts in the second period, they were unable to breach the South African defence again and lost 14-5.

Defeat was Kenya’s second of the day after they slipped to an agonising 19-14 loss against the USA. Tries from Carlin Isles and Martin Iosefo had given the USA a 12-0 advantage, but Kenya hit back to lead by two points after Collins Injera and Jeff Oluoch touched down. Veteran Willy Ambaka thought he had put a seal on a Kenyan win, but he was judged to have lost the ball forward and the USA went up the other end to win a pulsating match 19-14 as captain Madison Hughes scored.

Hughes was again on the scoresheet as the USA secured a second win of day one in the penultimate match of the afternoon session, beating Ireland 19-17. The USA captain won the race to his own kick through to score his side’s second try of the match and put them 12-0 in front. Ireland replied with tries either side of the half-time break, scored by Hugo Lennox and Harry McNulty, but their hopes of victory appeared to be ended when Steve Tomasin went over for the USA. There was still time, however, for Foster Horan to score but it proved too late to prevent defeat.

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MONDAY 26th JULY 2021
1	09:00	FIJI		24 - 19		JAPAN	Pool B
2	09:30	GREAT BRITAIN		24 - 0		CANADA	Pool B
3	10:00	NEW ZEALAND		50 - 5		RO KOREA	Pool A
4	10:30	AUSTRALIA		19 - 29		ARGENTINA	Pool A
5	11:00	SOUTH AFRICA		33 - 14		IRELAND	Pool C
6	11:30	USA		19 - 14		KENYA	Pool C
7	16:30	GREAT BRITAIN		34 - 0		JAPAN	Pool B
8	17:00	FIJI		28 - 14		CANADA	Pool B
9	17:30	NEW ZEALAND		35 - 14		ARGENTINA	Pool A
10	18:00	AUSTRALIA		42 - 5		RO KOREA	Pool A
11	18:30	USA		19- 7		IRELAND	Pool C
12	19:00	SOUTH AFRICA		14 - 5		KENYA	Pool C
TUESDAY 27th JULY 2021
13	09:00	CANADA		36 - 12		JAPAN	Pool B
14	09:30	FIJI		33 - 7		GREAT BRITAIN	Pool B
15	10:00	ARGENTINA		56 - 0		RO KOREA	Pool A
16	10:30	NEW ZEALAND		14 - 12		AUSTRALIA	Pool A
17	11:00	KENYA		7 - 12		IRELAND	Pool C
18	11:30	SOUTH AFRICA		17 - 12		USA	Pool C
19	16:30	IRELAND		31 - 0		RO KOREA	9th PL SF1
20	17:00	KENYA		21 - 7		JAPAN	9th PL SF2
21	17:30	NEW ZEALAND		21 - 10		CANADA	QF1
22	18:00	GREAT BRITAIN		26 - 21		USA	QF2
23	18:30	SOUTH AFRICA		14 - 19		ARGENTINA	QF3
24	19:00	FIJI		19 - 0		AUSTRALIA	QF4
WEDNESDAY 28th JULY 2021
25	09:00	RO KOREA		19 - 31		JAPAN	11th PL SF2
26	09:30	IRELAND		0 - 22		KENYA	9th PL SF2
27	10:00	CANADA		14 - 21		USA	5th PLACE
28	10:30	SOUTH AFRICA		22 - 19		AUSTRALIA	5th PLACE
29	11:00	NEW ZEALAND		29 - 7		GREAT BRITAIN	SF1
30	11:30	ARGENTINA		14 - 26		FIJI	SF2
31	16:30	CANADA		7 - 26		AUSTRALIA	7th PL PO
32	17:00	USA		7 - 28		SOUTH AFRICA	5th PL PO
33	17:30	GREAT BRITAIN		12 - 17		ARGENTINA	BRONZE
34	18:00	NEW ZEALAND		12 - 27		FIJI	GOLD

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#ARG #AUS #CAN #FIJ #GBR #IRL#JPN #KEN #KOR #NZL #RSA #USA

 

 

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THE pools were announced by World Rugby on 28th June, following the confirmation of the final three teams bound for Tokyo 2020 via the Repechage in Monaco.

The seeding for the competition is based on World Rugby Sevens Series points accumulated across the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons.

The four teams that qualified directly for the Games via the 2019 Series were guaranteed to be in the top four seeds, with their position determined by their rankings across the two Series.

For any teams that are not core teams on World Rugby Sevens Series, their seeding was determined by World Rugby based on an analysis of performances in Series tournaments across the two seasons or other World Rugby sanctioned events such as Series qualifiers or regional tournaments.

New Zealand*	Australia*	Argentina*	RO Korea

Fiji*	Great Britain	Canada*	Japan*

South Africa*	USA*	Kenya*	Ireland*

*core team on 2021 Series

 

 

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NEW ZEALAND (1) Rio 2016: Fifth Tokyo 2020 seeding: 1 Coach: Clark Laidlaw (GBR) Co-captains: Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson Nickname: All Blacks Sevens 2020 series ranking: Champions 2020 series titles: 3 (Cape Town, Hamilton, Vancouver) 2020 series top try/point scorer: Tim Mikkelson (15 tries)/Andrew Knewstubb (100 points) Did you know? New Zealand are the most successful team in World Rugby Sevens Series history, winning 13 of the 21 titles. Player to watch: Kurt Baker A character on and off the pitch, Baker is one of the senior members of the squad with two RWC Sevens and two Commonwealth Games gold medals. He missed out on selection for Rio 2016 but his fancy footwork and strong defence will be key if New Zealand are to medal in Tokyo.	Tim Mikkelson (CC)† Scott Curry (CC)† Dylan Collier Tone Ng Shiu Sam Dickson† Andrew Knewstubb Ngarohi McGarvey-Black Sione Molia Kurt Baker Joe Webber† Etene Nanai-Seturo Regan Ware† Travelling reserves: William Warbrick, Caleb Clarke, Amanaki Nicole
AUSTRALIA (6) Rio 2016: Eighth Tokyo 2020 seeding: 6 Coach: Tim Walsh Captain: Nick Malouf 2020 series ranking: Fourth 2020 series top try/point scorer: Lachlan Anderson (16 tries)/Lewis Holland (125 points) Did you know...? Tim Walsh is bidding for his own Olympic double, having guided Australia’s women to an historic gold medal at Rio 2016 before taking over the men’s team in April 2018. Player to watch: Samu Kerevi Kerevi has spent the last two years playing for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan’s Top League, but threw his name into the sevens mix less than two months out from Tokyo 2020. Yet to play international sevens, but this Fijian-born powerhouse could be a great impact player for Australia.	Lachlan Anderson Josh Coward Henry Hutchison† Samu Kerevi Maurice Longbottom Nick Malouf (C)† Lachie Miller Nathan Lawson Dylan Pietsch Joe Pincus Dietrich Roache Josh Turner Lewis Holland†
ARGENTINA (7) Rio 2016: Sixth Tokyo 2020 seeding: 7 Coach: Santiago Gómez Cora Captain: Santiago Alvarez Nickname: Los Pumas Sevens 2020 series ranking: Ninth 2020 series top try/point scorer: Matías Osadczuk (16 tries)/Santiago Mare (106 points) Did you know...? Argentina played in the only match to finish scoreless after normal time at Rio 2016, against Great Britain in the quarter-finals. Their medal hopes died after conceding a Dan Bibby try in sudden-death extra-time. Player to watch: Matías Osadczuk Argentina’s top try scorer on the 2020 Series, Osadczuk has played for his country’s U20 and sevens teams, marking his debut for the latter as a 19-year-old with a two-try haul against Wales in December 2016.	Santiago Álvarez (C) Lautaro Bazán Vélez Lucio Cinti Rodrigo Etchart† Luciano González Rodrigo Isgro Santiago Mare Ignacio Mendy Marcos Moneta Matías Osadczuk Gastón Revol† Germán Schulz† Felipe del Mestre
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (12) Rio 2016: Did not play Tokyo 2020 seeding: 12 Coach: Charles Louw and Seo Chun Oh Captain: Park Wanyong 2020 series ranking: 17th (one tournament) 2020 series top try/point scorer: Jang Jeongmin (3 tries, 17 points) Did you know? Korea qualified for Tokyo 2020 in dramatic fashion, going the length of the field for Jang Seongmin to score the winner in sudden-death extra-time against Hong Kong in the Asian qualifier. Player to watch: Jang Jeongmin Korea may have the least World Series experience of the teams at Tokyo 2020 but Jang has shown he is a player for the big occasion, scoring the winning try with the final play in the qualifier semi-final against China. He scored three tries – against Argentina and France – in Los Angeles in 2020.	Yong Heung Chang Seongdeok Choi Andre Jin Coquillard Kun Kyu Han Jeongmin Jang Seongmin Jang Yeon Sik Jeong Gwong Min Kim Hyunsoo Kim Nam Uk Kim Jinkyu Lee Seongbae Lee Wanyong Park (C)

 

FIJI (2) Rio 2016: Gold medallists Tokyo 2020 seeding: 2 Coach: Gareth Baber (GBR) Captain: Jerry Tuwai 2020 series ranking: Third 2020 series titles: 1 (Sydney) 2020 series top try/point scorer: Aminiasi Tuimaba (20 tries)/Napolioni Bolaca (159 points) Did you know...? Since winning Fiji’s first-ever Olympic medal of any colour in Rio, their sevens stars have won more World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments than any other nation. Player to watch: Jerry Tuwai Fiji have been blessed with some incredible players and Tuwai is rightly mentioned in the same breath as Waisale Serevi. His vision and footwork make him a fans’ favourite and they voted him World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Decade last December.	Vilimoni Botitu Napolioni Bolaca Mele Derenalagi Iosefo Masi Waisea Nacuqu Kalione Nasoko Semi Radradra Aminiasi Tuimaba Asaeli Tuivuaka Jerry Tuwai (C)† Josua Vakuranabili Jiuta Wainiqolo
GREAT BRITAIN (5) Rio 2016: Silver medallists Tokyo 2020 seeding: 5 Coach: Tony Roques Captain: Tom Mitchell 2020 series ranking: Fifth 2020 series top try/point scorer: Dan Norton (16 tries, 80 points) Did you know...? Great Britain’s assistant coach James Rodwell, a Rio 2016 silver medallist, is the all-time most-capped player on the World Rugby Sevens Series with 93 tournaments played. Player to watch: Dan Norton Another player with more than a decade wearing the red rose of England, Norton is the leading try scorer in World Series history with 354 and even at the age of 33 he still has the pace to leave others in his wake. A fan favourite, Norton is one of three players to reach 90 series tournaments.	Dan Bibby† Alec Coombes Alex Davis Robbie Fergusson Harry Glover Ben Harris Ollie Lindsay-Hague† Ross McCann Max McFarland Tom Mitchell (C)† Dan Norton Ethan Waddleton Tom Bowen
CANADA (9) Rio 2016: Did not play Tokyo 2020 seeding: 9 Coach: Henry Paul (NZL) Co-captains: Nathan Hirayama and Harry Jones 2020 series ranking: Eighth 2020 series top try/point scorer: Nathan Hirayama (11 tries, 141 points) Did you know...? Canada became the 12th and last first-time winner of a tournament on the men’s World Rugby Sevens Series, beating USA 26-19 in the Singapore Cup final in April 2017. Player to watch: Nathan Hirayama A player with Japanese family heritage, Hirayama pulls the strings on the pitch and leads by example off it, inspiring those around him as was evident when Canada were surprise bronze medallists in Vancouver in 2020. Canada’s most-capped player and record points-scorer on the Series.	Phil Berna Connor Braid Andrew Coe Justin Douglas Mike Fuailefau Lucas Hammond Nathan Hirayama (CC) Harry Jones (CC) Patrick Kay Matt Mullins Theo Sauder Jake Thiel Conor Trainor
JAPAN (11) Rio 2016: Fourth Tokyo 2020 seeding: 11 Coach: Kensuke Iwabuchi Captain: Chihito Matsui 2020 series ranking: 16th 2020 series top try/point scorer: Taisei Hayashi (4 tries)/Ryota Kano (27 points) Did you know...? Japan enjoyed an Olympic debut to savour in Rio, throwing the formbook out the window by stunning New Zealand 14-12 thanks to Katsuyuki Sakai’s late conversion of Kameli Soejima’s try. Player to watch: Kippei Ishida A bronze medallist at the Youth Olympic Games in 2018, Ishida is one of a number of young players given an opportunity by Japan in the last couple of years. He helped Japan secure a return to core team status for the 2021 Series.	Colin Raijin Bourke Yoshikazu Fujita Kazushi Hano Brackin Henry Masakatsu Hikosaka Kippei Ishida Ryota Kano Chihito Matsui (C) Naoki Motomura Kameli Soejima† Jose Seru Lote Tuqiri†

 

SOUTH AFRICA (3) Rio 2016: Bronze medallists Tokyo 2020 seeding: 3 Coach: Neil Powell Captain: Siviwe Soyizwapi Nickname: Blitzboks 2020 series ranking: Runners-up 2020 series titles: 2 (Dubai, Los Angeles) 2020 series top try/point scorer: Angelo Davids (16 tries)/Selvyn Davids (109 points) Did you know...? Two of South Africa’s bronze medallists at Rio 2016 were Cheslin Kolbe and Kwagga Smith, who went on to help the Springboks win Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. Player to watch: JC Pretorius He made his debut in Sydney in February 2019, and quickly ensured his name is one of the first on coach Neil Powell’s team sheet with his performances.	Kurt-Lee Arendse Ronald Brown Angelo Davids Selvyn Davids Zain Davids Chris Dry Stedman Gans Justin Geduld† Branco du Preez JC Pretorius Sako Makata Siviwe Soyizwapi (C) Impi Visser
USA (4) Rio 2016: Ninth Tokyo 2020 seeding: 4 Nickname: Men’s Eagles Sevens Coach: Mike Friday (GBR) Captain: Madison Hughes 2020 series ranking: Seventh 2020 series top try/point scorer: Carlin Isles (22 tries, 110 points) Did you know...? Nate Ebner, a three-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, was part of Team USA at Rio 2016 but injury ended his bid to make a second Olympics. Player to watch: Carlin Isles The top scorer at Rio 2016 with six tries, this former sprinter won the race with fellow speedster Perry Baker to be the first USA player to score 200 tries on the world series, fittingly doing it on home soil in Los Angeles in March 2020. Blink and you’ll miss him!	Perry Baker† Danny Barrett† Maceo Brown Madison Hughes (C)† Martin Iosefo† Carlin Isles† Matai Leuta Cody Melphy Folau Niua† Joe Schroeder Steve Tomasin Kevon Williams Brett Thompson
KENYA (9) Rio 2016: 11th Tokyo 2020 seeding: 9 Coach: Innocent Simiyu Captain: Andrew Amonde Nickname: Shujaa Sevens 2020 series ranking: 12th 2020 series top try/point scorer: Vincent Onyala (13 tries, 65 points) Did you know...? Kenya’s Humphrey Kayange was part of the sport’s successful Olympic bid back in 2009 and played at Rio 2016 alongside his brother Collins Injera. Player to watch: Collins Injera A stalwart of the Kenyan team since making his debut back in 2007, Injera is the second-highest try scorer in Series history with 279. He may have lost a touch of pace, but he still knows the way to the try-line and continues to inspire the next generation.	Eden Agero Willy Ambaka† Andrew Amonde (C)† Herman Humwa Collins Injera† Billy Odhiambo Jacob Ojee Johnstone Olindi Jeffrey Oluoch Vincent Onyala Alvin Otieno Nelson Oyoo Daniel Taabu
IRELAND (10) Rio 2016: Did not play Tokyo 2020 seeding: 10 Coach: Anthony Eddy (AUS) Captain: Billy Dardis 2020 series ranking: 10th 2020 series top try/point scorer: Jordan Conroy (30 tries, 150 points) Did you know...? Ireland’s qualification for Tokyo 2020 comes only six years after a formal sevens programme was put in place. Player to watch: Jordan Conroy A former sprinter, Conroy has quickly made a name for himself as a lethal try-scorer in sevens, finishing Ireland’s first World Series as a core team in 2020 top of the charts with 30. His lightning pace and almost telepathic understanding with Terry Kennedy saw him cross for another 10 tries in the Repechage to book Ireland’s ticket to Tokyo 2020.	Jordan Conroy Billy Dardis (C) Ian Fitzpatrick Foster Horan Jack Kelly Terry Kennedy Adam Leavy Hugo Lennox Harry McNulty Gavin Mullin Greg O’Shea Mark Roche Bryan Mollen

†Played at Rio 2016

 

 

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AS you may know already, Rugby Unplugged doesn't unplug women's rugby, since the most excellent Scrum Queens do a far better job! So head over to them to get all the details from the Tokyo 2020 Women's Rugby 7s from 29 - 31 July 2021...

 

 

THURSDAY 29th JULY 2021
1	09:00	FRANCE		12 - 5		FIJI	Pool B
2	09:30	CANADA		33 - 0		BRAZIL	Pool B
3	10:00	USA		28 - 14		CHINA	Pool C
4	10:30	AUSTRALIA		48 - 0		JAPAN	Pool C
5	11:00	RUSSIA		12 - 14		GREAT BRITAIN	Pool A
6	11:30	NEW ZEALAND		29 - 7		KENYA	Pool A
7	16:30	CANADA		12 - 26		FIJI	Pool B
8	17:00	FRANCE		40 - 5		BRAZIL	Pool B
9	17:30	AUSTRALIA		26 - 10		CHINA	Pool C
10	18:00	USA		17 - 7		JAPAN	Pool C
11	18:30	NEW ZEALAND		26 - 21		GREAT BRITAIN	Pool A
12	19:00	RUSSIA		35 - 12		KENYA	Pool A
FRIDAY 30th JULY 2021
13	09:00	FIJI		41 - 5		BRAZIL	Pool B
14	09:30	CANADA		0 - 31		FRANCE	Pool B
15	10:00	CHINA		29 - 0		JAPAN	Pool C
16	10:30	AUSTRALIA		12 - 14		USA	Pool C
17	11:00	GREAT BRITAIN		31 - 0		KENYA	Pool A
18	11:30	NEW ZEALAND		33 - 0		RUSSIA	Pool A
19	16:30	CANADA		45 - 0		BRAZIL	9th PL SF1
20	17:00	KENYA		21 - 17		JAPAN	9th PL SF2
21	17:30	NEW ZEALAND		36 - 0		RUSSIA	QF1
22	18:00	FIJI		14 - 12		AUSTRALIA	QF2
23	18:30	USA		12 - 21		GREAT BRITAIN	QF3
24	19:00	FRANCE		24 - 10		CHINA	QF4
SATURDAY 31st JULY 2021
25	09:00	BRAZIL		21 - 12		JAPAN	11th PL SF2
26	09:30	CANADA		24 - 10		KENYA	9th PL SF2
27	10:00	RUSSIA		7 - 35		AUSTRALIA	5th PLACE
28	10:30	USA		33 - 14		CHINA	5th PLACE
29	11:00	NEW ZEALAND		22 - 17		FIJI	SF1
30	11:30	GREAT BRITAIN		19 - 26		FRANCE	SF2
31	16:30	RUSSIA		10 - 22		vsCHINA	7th PL PO
32	17:00	AUSTRALIA		17 - 7		USA	5th PL PO
33	17:30	FIJI		21 - 12		GREAT BRITAIN	BRONZE
34	18:00	NEW ZEALAND		26 - 12		FRANCE	GOLD

#AUS #BRA #CAN #CHI #FIJ #FRA #GBR #JPN #KEN #NZL #ROC #USA

 

 

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“IT has been a uniquely challenging journey for all involved to reach these Olympic Games and we thank the IOC, Tokyo 2020 and the Japanese authorities for their hard work and dedication to ensure the delivery of a safe, secure and high quality environment for the 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams to perform at the best of their abilities in a truly world-class venue.

“During this difficult time for humanity the Tokyo Olympics can act as a symbol of global unity, solidarity and inspiration. We are stronger together and we believe there is no better sport than rugby to reflect those integral values both on and off the pitch. Interest in rugby sevens is fast-growing around the globe and we can look forward to a fantastic showcase of the speed, skill and end-to-end drama of this intense and dynamic game over six days of thrilling competition which features teams from all six World Rugby regions.

Following the outstanding success of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, which captured the host nation’s imagination with record-breaking broadcast audiences and huge numbers of new rugby fans, rugby sevens is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated sports of the Tokyo Games. It is fantastic to see rugby back in action at Tokyo Stadium, which was an excellent host venue in 2019.”

Sir Bill Beaumont CBE DL
World Rugby Chairman

WHEN rugby sevens made its debut at Rio 2016, it brought an end to a 92-year absence for the sport of rugby from the Olympic programme, having last featured in its 15s format at the 1924 Paris Games when USA claimed the gold medal, beating France 17-3.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founding father of the modern Olympic Games, was a passionate supporter of rugby and the 1924 competition was the fourth time rugby had been included in the programme, having appeared in 1900, 1908 and 1920. Sadly, following the end of his presidency of the International Olympic Committee in 1925, rugby was dropped from the programme, leaving USA as the unexpected answer to the trivia question of who the reigning Olympic rugby champions were.

It was only in the 1990s that efforts began to reunite rugby with the Olympic Games with a significant step taken when the International Rugby Board – now World Rugby were confirmed as a Recognised International Federation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Cardiff in 1994. In 2001, a recommendation was made by the Olympic Programme Commission to the IOC Session that rugby should be added to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Unfortunately, the recommended modernisations to the programme were not carried through. Rugby was again shortlisted for consideration for adding to the London 2012 programme, but the IOC elected not to add any new sports, leaving the sport’s goal of an Olympic return to remain tantalisingly out of reach.

Bernard Lapasset, upon his election as World Rugby Chairman in October 2007, made rugby’s return to the Olympic programme one of his priorities. In 2009, following a concerted campaign by the international federation, its member unions, regional associations and the rugby family, the sport was again shortlisted for inclusion in the 2016 and 2020 Games. New Zealand’s Jonah Lomu, Australia’s Cheryl Soon, Kenya’s Humphrey Kayange, Argentina’s Agustín Pichot and Kazakhstan’s Anastassiya Khamova joined Lapasset in presenting rugby sevens’ case for inclusion to IOC members at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen.

The vote was overwhelming in favour with 81 votes to eight against, ensuring 9 October, 2009 would forever be a significant date in rugby’s history with the top men’s and women’s players now able to compete for the ultimate prize of an Olympic gold medal. Rugby sevens was included in the Youth Olympic Games 2014 in Nanjing, China, with Australia’s women and France’s men winning gold. Two years later, sevens proved a huge success at Rio 2016 with crowds packing into the Deodoro Stadium to see Australia’s women beat New Zealand to claim gold before Fiji’s men created history by beating Great Britain to win their country’s first-ever Olympic medal of any colour.

Rugby’s inclusion at Rio 2016 had a profound impact on the sport, attracting an estimated 30 million new fans globally, with Tokyo 2020 expected to build on that in a country that hosted a record-breaking Rugby World Cup in 2019.

On Friday 23rd July 2021, Tokyo 2020 finally launched in the magnificence of Japan, despite being a nation in locked down...

 

 

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