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Take a check on the Day Two highlights from the Men’s RWC Sevens.

Video credit: World Rugby

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It was another thrilling day in the Men’s competition as South Africa, England, Fiji and New Zealand progressed into Sunday’s semi-finals.

South Africa outclassed Scotland in their quarter-final, winning 36-5, and will meet England, who edged USA 24-19 after extra-time, in the last four.

Indeed England progressed in dramatic fashion as Phil Burgess claimed the match-winning try following a perfect cross field kick from Tom Mitchell.

Fiji were too good for Argentina as they ran out comfortable 43-7 winners in a high quality performance and will face off with New Zealand in their semi-final, with the All Blacks Sevens coming from behind to defeat France 12-7, despite having three players sin-binned in the game.

Men’s Day Two Results

Bowl Quarter Finals
Tonga 29-33 Chile
Papua New Guinea 19-21 Uruguay
Jamaica 10-24 Hong Kong
Zimbabwe 10-24 Uganda

Challenge Quarter Finals
Kenya 14-24 Ireland
Canada 35-17 Japan
Australia 41-0 Russia
Wales 24-19 Samoa

Championship Quarter Finals
Scotland 5-36 South Africa
Argentina 7-43 Fiji
France 7-12 New Zealand
USA 19-24 England (AET)

Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

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New Zealand became the first team in history to win back-to-back Rugby World Cup Sevens titles after beating France 29-0 in Saturday’s final.

A hat-trick from 22-year-old reigning World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Michaela Blyde sealed the victory.

Australia claimed the bronze medal with a hard fought 24-14 victory over hosts USA on a day when a a noisy and enthusiastic crowd of over 33,000 packed in to the spectacular AT&T Park in San Francisco.

France had earlier dug deep to overcome 2018 HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series champions Australia 19-12 in a thrilling semi-final while the indomitable Black Ferns Sevens came from behind to defeat a spirited USA side 26-21.

The semi-finals were rugby sevens at its very best – exceptional quality, intensity and competitiveness – showcasing to a huge and highly-engaged crowd just why women’s sevens was such a hit at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Women’s Day Two Results

Challenge 13/16 Place
Mexico 0-34 South Africa
Papua New Guinea 12-15 Brazil

Challenge Semi Finals
England 38-0 China
Fiji 14-15 Japan

Championship 5/8 Place
Ireland 20-15 Russia
Spain 26-14 Canada

Championship Semi Finals
Australia 12-19 France
New Zealand 26-21 USA

Challenge 15/16 Place
Mexico 0-32 Papua New Guinea

Challenge 13/14 Place
South Africa 0-22 Brazil

Challenge 11/12 Place
China 0-38 Fiji

Challenge Final
England 31-5 Japan

Championship 7/8 Place
Russia 10-22 Canada

Championship 5/6 Place
Ireland 7-12 Spain

Bronze Final
USA 14-24 Australia

Championship Final
New Zealand 29-0 France

Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

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The Lions have received a boost with the news that flanker Cyle Brink should be available to face the Waratahs in the Super Rugby semi-final at Ellis Park.

Brink went off at half-time against the Jaguares after suffering a shoulder injury which caused weakness in his right arm but, after being assessed, the medical staff at the Johannesburg outfit confirmed that it had settled well.

Marnus Schoeman came on as his replacement and impressed as the South African Conference winners defeated the Argentinians, but the 29-year-old is set to be on the bench with Brink due to recover.

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Head of England Sevens Simon Amor says he is encouraged by England’s men in the wake of their second place finish at the World Cup Sevens in San Francisco last weekend.

Amor’s side were beaten 33-12 by the All Blacks in Sunday’s gold medal match, but showed tremendous resilience throughout the competition – knocking out hosts USA at the quarter-final stage in extra time, before a 29-7 win over HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series champs South Africa in the semis.

“I’m delighted with the way the guys performed right the way through the tournament and came through some really close games and played some outstanding rugby,” said Amor.

“This marks the end of a very long year but I’m really pleased with the way we’ve grown as a programme and how the players have grown as well.

“Since the Commonwealth Games we’ve medalled at every tournament bar one, and alongside that we’ve got some really exciting young talent coming into the squad, so that’s really encouraging as we look ahead to next season.”

Despite finishing fifth in the World Series earlier this year, England strung together some fine performances toward the end of their season, clinching silver in Paris, bronze in Marcoussis and gold in Exeter.

Amor highlighted a high error count as one of the reasons for the loss to New Zealand in San Francisco, but believes his side adjusted well to the altered format of the tournament.

“The unique format makes it high-pressured with lots of drama which is great for all those fans watching,” he added.

“As a result you have to approach the competition in a different way, and I’m really pleased with the way that the guys adapted to this new knockout competition.

“Playing in a new city and new venue has been brilliant – the atmosphere in the stadium has been unbelievable right the way through the tournament, and we’re really grateful for all those who supported us.”

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Check out the final day highlights of the Men’s RWC Sevens.

Video credit: World Rugby

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The Melbourne Rebels have suspended rookies Hunter Paisami and Pone Faamausili after the pair were involved in a late-night brawl on Saturday night.

The altercation led to one man being admitted to hospital with serious injuries, while the pair have admitted to being at the scene at the time. Faaumasili has given a statement to police, but Paisami is yet to. Charges have not yet been laid.

According to a Facebook post from the victim’s sister, the pair hit the man on the back of the head and left him unconscious and bleeding on the floor, but there are conflicting reports of the incident.

This is the second time in as many weeks a member of the Rebels’ playing staff has landed themselves in hot water after Amanaki Mafi’s arrest in Dunedin last weekend for the alleged assault of teammate Lopeti Timani.

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New Zealand have claimed back-to-back Rugby World Cup Sevens titles after they beat England 33-12 at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Sunday.

Scores from Sione Molia (2), Joe Ravouvou, Akuila Rokolisoa and Trael Joass saw the All Blacks Sevens follow their Women’s team to glory.

The English crossed the try-line through Mike Ellery and Ruaridh McConnochie in defeat.

England were hugely impressive in beating South Africa 29-7 before New Zealand saw off Fiji 22-17 in their respective semi-final fixtures.

South Africa would go on to pip Fiji 24-19 to take the Bronze while fifth place was claimed by Argentina, who beat USA 33-7 to that spot.

Scotland overcame France 29-24 in extra-time to seal seventh place while Ireland impressed in beating Australia to the Challenge Trophy.

Men’s Day Three Results

Bowl 21/24 Place
Tonga 31-5 Zimbabwe
Papua New Guinea 52-7 Jamaica

Bowl Semi-Finals
Chile 20-17 Uganda
Uruguay 5-31 Hong Kong

Challenge 13/16 Place
Kenya 17-19 Samoa
Japan 20-26 Russia

Challenge Semi-Finals
Canada 7-19 Australia
Ireland 27-12 Wales

Championship 5/8 Place
Scotland 0-28 USA
Argentina 26-15 France

Championship Semi-Finals
South Africa 7-29 England
Fiji 17-22 New Zealand

Bowl 23/24 Place
Zimbabwe 33-21 Jamaica

Bowl 21/22 Place
Tonga 14-31 Papua New Guinea

Bowl 19/20 Place
Uganda 38-28 Uruguay

Bowl Final
Chile 20-7 Hong Kong

Challenge 15/16 Place
Kenya 14-26 Japan

Challenge 13/14 Place
Samoa 22-17 Russia

Challenge 11/12 Place
Canada 12-35 Wales

Challenge Trophy Final
Australia 14-24 Ireland

Championship 7/8 Place
Scotland 29-24 France (AET)

Championship 5/6 Place
USA 7-33 Argentina

Bronze Final
South Africa 24-19 Fiji

Championship Final
England 12-33 New Zealand

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With the Super Rugby Qualifiers now a thing of the past, it is time for us to work out which players shone over the past weekend.

The Crusaders were at their imperious best as they dispatched the Sharks and a number of individuals also stood out in the Lions’ victory over the Jaguares.

Kurtley Beale and Israel are rewarded for inspiring the Waratahs’ comeback while the Hurricanes-Chiefs encounter produced several impressive performances from both sides.

Super Rugby: Team of the Qualifiers

15 Israel Folau (Waratahs): Has such a brilliant understanding with Kurtley Beale, running a sublime support line to latch on to the latter’s pass for his try. Then Folau turned creator with a magnificent step off his right foot as he cut inside to get his side close to the try-line for Bernard Foley’s second. Beats out a strong list of contenders, including Andries Coetzee (Lions), David Havili (Crusaders) and Solomon Alamailo (Chiefs).

14 Julian Savea (Hurricanes): Although it is clear he has lost a yard or two, the Bus still gets himself over the advantage line with regularity. Showed great anticipation and reading of the game for his two intercepts – one of which resulted in a try. Made two tackle-busts and offloads on the day. Elsewhere, Ruan Combrinck appears to be hitting form just at the right time for the Lions while Kobus van Wyk was one of the Sharks’ standout performers in a losing cause on Saturday.

13 Ryan Crotty (Crusaders): Having played at 12 but able to do the job at 13, we couldn’t leave Crotty out after a superb performance on Saturday. The All Blacks centre showed impressive upperbody strength and vision when assisting David Havili’s try. Beat five defenders and made three offloads as well as 14 passes. Defensively sound in conjunction with Jack Goodhue – keeping the Sharks to just the one try. Meanwhile, Anton Lienert-Brown shone for the Chiefs and deserves a mention.

12 Kurtley Beale (Waratahs): So often has the Wallaby centre been the one to lift his side and he did it again on Saturday. Trailing 23-6, it was Beale who sparked the fightback, creating two tries in the space of six minutes to bring his side storming back into the contest. First, he delivered a deft, pop pass for Bernard Foley to go in under the sticks and soon afterwards busted Tei Walden’s tackle in midfield before running 30 metres and playing the final pass for Israel Folau to finish in the corner. Also took a lot of responsibility off Foley by switching to first receiver. Edges out Ngani Laumape, who was colossal once again against the Chiefs.

11 Ben Lam (Hurricanes): Taqele Naiyaravoro ran for 75 metres, beat five defenders and made two clean breaks but surprisingly didn’t get himself on the try column against the Highlanders. Lam did, however, and it was his 69th minute five-pointer that would eventually make the difference for the Hurricanes as they edged the Chiefs 32-31. As it happens, Lam has now drawn level with Naiyaravoro on 15 tries for the season as the two battle it out for the crown of Super Rugby’s top marksman.

10 Elton Jantjies (Lions): While Bernard Foley took his brace well and Lima Sopoaga impressed in a losing cause, Jantjies’ classy performance at Ellis Park on Saturday ensures he claims the fly-half jersey in our team. The Lions’ pivot didn’t put a foot wrong throughout, contributing 20 points in total in a flawless kicking perfomance off the tee, while he also laid on two tries for his teammates. Springbok fans will be wondering why he can’t replicate the same form in green and gold.

9 TJ Perenara (Hurricanes): The sniping dart is really becoming something of a trademark of Perenara’s, as he scored both of his tries on the weekend in this fashion. The talismanic scrum-half is very difficult to stop from close range. Meanwhile, Crusaders’ Bryn Hall scored an excellent try and brilliantly created another in his side’s win over the Hurricanes, while Brad Weber also got himself on the scoresheet for the second week in a row. There is no lack of quality scrum-halves in New Zealand right now.

8 Kieran Read (Crusaders): Part of a clinical and efficient performance by the Crusaders’ pack, the New Zealand captain was typically industrious having made 31 metres from eight carries. Opposite number on Saturday, Dan du Preez, put himself about for the Sharks while Luke Whitelock produced a good display in the Highlanders’ defeat to the Waratahs, but Read was the most consistent number eight at the weekend.

7 Gareth Evans (Hurricanes): With Beauden Barrett off colour and, as a result, their backline lacking its usual slickness, the Canes’ victory against the Chiefs was primarily down to their defence and work at the breakdown. Evans duly came to the fore after making 14 tackles and being a constant threat at the contact area. Elsewhere, Tomas Lezana was hugely influential for the Jaguares but he couldn’t prevent the Argentinians from succumbing to defeat.

6 Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs): Despite defeat, there were some impressive performances by the Waikato-based outfit and the flanker was one of those to display his qualities, particularly in broken field. Pablo Matera did his best to wrestle control in the second half of the Jaguares’ game in Johannesburg but Boshier’s efforts were even greater. As well as running for 73 metres, which included an assist, the blindside was also excellent in defence, making 13 tackles without missing.

5 Franco Mostert (Lions): A tough call between him and the Crusaders’ Sam Whitelock, who always made ground with ball in hand and kept the Sharks’ defence honest with his ability to shift the point of contact on the gain line. However, in the end we went for Mostert after his remarkable defensive effort which saw him make a superb match-high 23 tackles. Also carried hard and was part of a dominant scrum that helped them control the majority of the first half.

4 Brodie Retallick (Chiefs): We could have selected another Crusaders player with Scott Barrett continuing his fine form and being part of a lock pairing which has been so effective this season, but we’ve gone with Retallick. The premier second-row in the world did his best in a losing cause and always made it over the gain line after running for 30 metres from 15 carries. Michael Fatialofa also showed up well in the same game as the Hurricanes made the semi-finals, but Retallick was even better despite defeat.

3 Owen Franks (Crusaders): On paper, the Sharks have an excellent front-row, one which has been pretty dominant over recent weeks, but they were soundly beaten in the set-piece by Franks and co. The tighthead had Tendai Mtawarira in all sorts of trouble at the scrum and it allowed the hosts to control possession and territory. It was a similar story in the Lions-Jaguares encounter where Ruan Dreyer shone, but the Crusaders prop did a fine job in dealing with a top class operator.

2 Malcolm Marx (Lions): The injury the hooker sustained in May, which kept him out of action for a few weeks, doesn’t seem to have affected the South African, who enjoyed his quarter-final clash against the Argentines. Marx scored a try, made 56 metres and was excellent in the set-piece as he took the position from Ricky Riccitelli, who put in a fine effort for the Hurricanes.

1 Jacques van Rooyen (Lions): Not too many looseheads stood out at the weekend, even if both Tim Perry (Crusaders) and Toby Smith (Hurricanes) enjoyed the upper hand in the scrum, but Van Rooyen was the best of the lot. Despite only being on the field for 53 minutes, the prop sent his opposition tighthead regularly into reverse as the Lions dominated the front-row battle.

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Harlequins has announced that defence coach Nick Easter has left the Twickenham Stoop outfit for personal reasons after 14 years’ service.

During this time Easter played 281 games for the club over 12 seasons, playing a major part in the club’s success in that period. He represented England 54 times, featuring in three World Cups.

Since finishing playing two years ago he was appointed the club’s defence coach. However, it has now been confirmed that he will leave his post.

“Harlequins would like to thank Nick for his contribution, innovation and hard work in this role and wish him well in his promising coaching career,” read a club statement.

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