The highly anticipated Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is set to mark the beginning of a new era at the impressive new Kai Tak Stadium from Friday to Sunday.
The fifth round of HSBC SVNS will see the world’s top 12 men’s and women’s teams battling it out in front of an expected record crowd of more than 120 000 fans, as they compete for glory and vital points in the SVNS standings as the competition heats up with just two regular season rounds remaining.
In the women’s pools Olympic Champions New Zealand are in Pool A against Brazil, China and USA. Pool B will see Fiji up against France, Great Britain and Ireland. Australia face Canada, Japan and Spain in Pool D.
HSBC Vancouver SVNS men’s winners Argentina are drawn against Fiji, Ireland and USA in Pool A. South Africa will encounter Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay in Pool B. While Pool C will see Spain meet France, Great Britain and Kenya in Hong Kong.
The captains of the 24 teams had their first opportunity to experience the new stadium as they gathered on the pitch on Wednesday, with many expressing their excitement at playing in the state-of-the-art new venue.
New Zealand women’s captain Sarah Hirini said: “For us Hong Kong is the home of sevens and this is one of the biggest tournaments that we get to play in so we can’t wait to see the south stand rocking this weekend
“It feels pretty surreal to be here and we’re especially proud to be the first to play here. The pitch looks awesome and I’m sure it’s going to be pretty fast and that the roof can be closed is incredible.
“The season is going well but we want to continue to get better and the more that we have fun I think we’re going to do even better this weekend.”
Spain men’s captain Pol Pla, who will play in his 50th Series event, said: “Hong Kong is special and I’m happy to be here for my fiftieth tournament in this amazing new stadium. As players we can feel the energy from the stadium and the South Stand crowd and we love it.
“I’m very proud to be the first Spanish men’s player to reach 50 tournaments. We are currently second in the rankings and this weekend we will go to win the tournament, we can do it, why not?”
New Zealand women and Argentina men lead the current SVNS standings after four rounds and it is all to play for as only the top eight teams at the end of the sixth round in Singapore next weekend will qualify for the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles on 3-4 May.
Only four points separate the top four men’s teams with Spain, Fiji and South Africa hot on Argentina’s heels. Meanwhile New Zealand hold a six point lead over rivals Australia in the women’s standings going in to the Hong Kong event.
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has long been one of the marquee events in the global rugby calendar, synonymous with high-energy action and unforgettable moments.
Some of world rugby’s biggest names have played at the Hong Kong Sevens, including Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Waisale Serevi, David Campese and Portia Woodman.
The excitement surrounding this year’s event is further heightened by the presence of Olympic medallists and rising stars from around the globe. This blend of experience and youth adds to the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament, ensuring an action-packed weekend of rugby sevens.
The three-day event kicks off at 10.30am local time on Friday with pool matches. The women’s and men’s finals will bring down the curtain on Sunday at 6.10pm and 6.46pm respectively.
Blitzbok fixtures
Friday
11.56am v Uruguay
2.39pm v Australia
Saturday
7.43am v New Zealand
Springbok Sevens squad for Hong Kong
#2 Ryan Oosthuizen – 53 tournaments, 230 points (46 tries)
#3 Impi Visser (co-captain) – 43 tournaments, 220 points (44 tries)
#4 Zain Davids – 50 tournaments, 225 points (45 tries)
#5 Ricardo Duarttee – 16 tournaments, 255 points (20 tries, 76 conversions, 1 penalty)
#8 Selvyn Davids (co-captain) – 39 tournaments, 712 points (93 tries, 122 conversions, 1 penalty)
#10 Dewald Human – 29 tournaments, 298 points (26 tries, 84 conversions)
#11 Siviwe Soyizwapi – 57 tournaments, 770 points (154 tries)
#12 Shilton van Wyk – 24 tournaments, 225 points (45 tries)
#14 Quewin Nortje – 10 tournaments, 135 points (27 tries)
#15 Donavan Don – 7 tournaments, 52 points (10 tries, 1 conversion)
#20 Gino Cupido – uncapped
#21 Zander Reynders – 3 tournaments, 0 points
#24 Tristan Leyds – 8 tournaments, 110 points (14 tries, 20 conversions)
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