bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Paul Ryding

It was a great first day of action from Hong Kong Stadium at the 2019 Hong Kong Sevens. It was a particularly good day for Paul John's Hong Kong men's team. Two wins from two put them safely into the quarter-finals with a game to spare tomorrow against Tonga, a game that gets underway at 10:52am.
There were no surprises after the first round of World Series matches when the elite boys took to the field. New Zealand, England, USA, Fiji and France each impressed in their openers. And we're set up for a great day of action tomorrow.




Hong Kong to deploy tens of thousands to test crowd control at Kai Tak stadium

Walk in the park? Why it takes 1 hour to get from Hong Kong’s Kai Tak stadium to TST

For Kai Tak Sports Park, is the missing piece a football home team?

Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park off to smooth start after ‘precious’ trial run

Hong Kong Sevens

As it happened: Hong Kong Sevens 2019 live blog day one -- great start for HK's men as they book their spot in the quarter-finals

As it happened -- Hong Kong Sevens 2019 live blog: hosts squeak through women's qualifiers to make day two at So Kon Po

The captains of this year's series qualification hopefuls are pictured with the trophy in Central on Tuesday. Photo: David Paul Morris/Clique Visuals

World Rugby Sevens: the story so far as series comes to Hong Kong with US dominating

The US lead the standings coming into Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

New Zealand's Ngarohi Black chases the against the U.S. during the final match of the Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

New Zealand's players perform the Haka after they beat the U.S. in the final match of the Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Steve Tomasin of the US celebrates victory against Samoa in the Cup final match at the USA Sevens Rugby tournament on March 3, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. - the US defeated Samoa 27-0. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)

epa07340197 Joe Ravouvou (R) of New Zealand is tackled during the Sydney Rugby 7's Men's Cup final match between the USA and New Zealand in Sydney, Australia, 03 February 2019. EPA-EFE/CRAIG GOLDING AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

epa07219880 Danny Barrett (up) of the USA dives over Amanaki Nicole (bottom) of New Zealand to score a try during day 2 of the 2018 HSBC Cape Town Sevens rugby tournament in Cape Town, South Africa, 09 December 2018. EPA-EFE/RYAN WILKISKY

Selvyn Davids.

Gold medalist South Africa's team (C), silver medalist France's team (L) and bronze medalist Fiji's team (R) pose on the field at the Vancouver World Rugby Sevens Series in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 10, 2019. (Photo by Don MacKinnon / AFP)

Fiji players celebrate after winning the HSBC World Rugby Sevens tournament at the end of the final match between United States and Fiji on December 9, 2017 at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP)

Sport

Rugby

HK Sevens

Follow all the action on day one at Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po, where Hong Kong's women failed in their bid to seal a coveted spot in the HSBC Women's Sevens Series, while Hong Kong's men begin their quest to qualify for the World Series


There were no surprises after the first round of World Series matches, while it was a particularly good day for Paul John's Hong Kong men's team on the first day at Hong Kong Stadium. 
 
 


Hong Kong Sevens: As it happened

Live

A few technical hitches at Hong Kong Stadium -- it wouldn't be the Sevens without them, but I think we're finally off and running.
Right, what have you missed?
The opening game was a true slobberknocker. Kenya just about edged past a very impressive Argentina side who had raced into a 10-point lead, but Kenya clawed them back to edge through 17-15 and make the semi-finals.



Finally, we're off ... maybe

The second quarter-final is into the final four minutes. Brazil are wiping the floor with the Kazakhs 21-0.
Just over 30 mins until we see Hong Kong in action against Japan.


Brazil vs Kazakhstan

Brazil eased into the semi-finals against Kazakhstan.
Now we're seeing a thriller between Scotland and Papua New Guinea. Scotland raced into a 12-0 lead, but PNG are edging back now at 12-7.


Brazil 21-5 Kazakhstan

Some images from the Brazil-Kazakhstan game

Another good game going on here. These quarter-final ties have thrown up some great games, and this one is no different. Scotland win 36-12 against PNG, who looked impressive yesterday.


Scotland vs Papua New Guinea

Now we get our first glimpse of a host team today. Hong Kong take on the mighty Japanese in the final quarter-final clash.
The odds are stacked well against the hosts, but it's knockout rugby and we've already seen a couple of upsets today.
*fingers crossed emoji*
 


Hong Kong time

And we're off.
Good start from Hong Kong. They look really fired up for this one.
Japan finally break through with 3:30 remaining. 5-0 to Japan.


Hong Kong vs Japan

Japan go over a second time -- unconverted -- and now lead 10-0 with a minute left in the first half.
A game effort from the hosts so far. But Japan seem to have another gear.


Hong Kong 0-10 Japan

Japan were just too strong for the hosts in the end and saw off the brave challenge of our girls to conclude the quarter-finals.
Now the men's qualifiers are about to get underway with Germany vs Uganda.


Hong Kong 7-27 Japan

Hong Kong's women's qualifier challenge ends

We're seeing some high-quality rugby in the first match of the men's qualifiers here. Germany lead 7-0 after a cute dink through was connected.


Germany vs Uganda

What a gorgeous morning it is at So Kon Po. The sun is shining and there's already a decent smattering of early bank holiday Sevens fans in the ground. 
We've already dispatched our fearless roving reporter Jonathan White to the South Stand to talk to the first costumed spectators of the weekend. More on that soon. 
 


Splendid day at the Sevens

The African's break through deep into time added on at the end of the first half to move in front. Converted, the half-time score is Germany 7-12 Uganda.


Germany - Uganda

More on some of those hardy first costumers now. Jonathan cornered a group of them near the toilet it looks like.
"We wore costumes on a Friday because it’s the only day we’re coming," claimed the group.
"The one lad in no costume says it’s too hot.
"They’ve been here since 9am," reported Jonathan White. So there you have it.
 


*Costume alert*

These guys are melting away in their sequins in the South Stand. They've come in from Australia and UK. Good effort.



Germany edged Uganda 19-12 in a hugely impressive pool-opening performance in that last game.
Now it's Chile vs Cook Islands.


Germany 19-12 Uganda

Chile proved they were no pushovers at the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco last year, and will be one of the favourites to progress out of the pool stages in the qualifiers here.
At the #RWC7s in San Fran @chilerugby1 scored some top tries. Will Rodrigo Fernandez be supplying more of this at the men's qualifiers in Hong Kong? #HK7s pic.twitter.com/HrjSCtAI6g
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 5, 2019


Chile on the up

The South Americans make light work of the Cook Islanders in their opening pool match. They'll go close this weekend on that form.


Chile 31-5 Cook Islands

Scotland women's coach Scott Forrest says the Scotland-Japan semi-final will be “the real final”.
“Having looked at all the teams and playing against Japan, we feel they are our biggest threat. That being said our poorest game yesterday was against Japan, so we definitely think we can beat them.”


Scotland ready for tough semi-final

Russia saw off the South Americans in their opening game of the pool stages, pretty handily.
Next up is Ireland against Jamaica.


Russia 26-0 Uruguay

Hong Kong's Jess Ho believes with a few small adjustments Hong Kong cab beat Japan in future. 
“We really put pressure on them on defence and pretty much all of the try’s they scored came out wide. They were just a little more precise than us but we are still a new team so that will come with time,” said Ho.
And on being a mixed-raced representative of Hong Kong she said, “That’s the beauty of this team and Hong Kong in general, we are a melting pot of people around the world with different cultures and backgrounds. To play for a team like that is very special.”



On Hong Kong's exit this morning

Call of the competition early, we've already found the king and queen of this year's costume competition.



Ireland, another team who'll be in the shake come the end of the qualifiers -- possibly most impressive here so far today, stroll past Jamaica handily.
We've got Tonga vs Zimbabwe now and then we'll have Hong Kong's opener against the Philippines. They should, in theory, put the Filipinos to the sword ...


Ireland 26-0 Jamaica

Do not bring your cricket helmet to Hong Kong Stadium today.



*Warning*

A deafening roar goes up as the home-town heroes take to the field.
Hong Kong about to kick off against Philippines.


Hong Kong are out on the pitch!

Hong Kong forced back early from the start against the debutants.
 


Hong Kong - Philippines

Hong Kong class tells eventually as Alex McQueen bursts through on the left for the hosts. A big roar goes up, and Hong Kong lead. Converted too.


Hong Kong 7-0 Philippines

The hosts are somewhat injury-depleted going into this year's tournament. Ben Rimene, Allesandro Nardoni and Max Denmark all missing out this weekend through injury.


Hong Kong injuries

Alex McQueen goes over again for Hong Kong. Conversion unsuccessful. The score is 12-0.


Try -- Hong Kong

Russell Webb goes through under the posts for a third Hong Kong try, converted for 19-0.
Good start by Hong Kong, this.


Hong Kong ease up slightly at the hooter and allow Donald Coleman to go over for the Filipinos. 
It was looking so good for Hong Kong until that last hiccup. Still, a solid half-time lead for the hosts.


Half-time: Hong Kong 19-5 Philippines

Philippines burst through again! Possession was deep in the Filipino's half, but Hong Kong lost it and captain Danny Matthews stormed over.
It's squeaky bum time now. 19-12


Try -- Philippines

That's more like it. Seb Brien capitalises on a handling error and storms through under the posts from the half-way line. Hong Kong 26-12 Philippines now.


Philippines go over again! Sustained pressure down Hong Kong's right, and Joe Dawson crosses over for the debutants. Unconverted, but the score is now HK 27-17 Phils with just over a minute to go.


Tight game now

Seb Brien goes over again for Hong Kong. And then the full-time hooter blows.
Well, that was eventful! The hosts get the job done, but there were more than a couple of scares, and it was a game old effort from the visitors.
Hong Kong were impressive in parts, but they'll need to be tighter in defence against some of the better teams in this World Series qualifier. Still, let's not split hairs -- they got the job done. One win from one for Paul John's men.


Full-time: Hong Kong 33-17 Philippines

Some of the best images from Hong Kong's opening victory on day one of the 2019 Hong Kong Sevens.



Hong Kong win opening pool E game

It's back to the women's qualifier now as Kenya face Brazil in the first semi-final.


Women's qualifying action continues

Coach Monaghan has spoken: "We said at the start of the tournament that we wanted to do something special, and we did something that no Hong Kong team has ever done, and that’s make it to the second day. 
"We had to make some changes over the week with some players not being able to make it, but we still believed in our squad and our young girls showed that they can learn quickly. It shows we have a bright future.
"Japan are a quality team that we will be aspiring to be as good as, if not better than in the future."



Hong Kong women's coach Iain Monaghan reflects

Our man Patrick Blennerhassett has been speaking to Hong Kong's Max Woodward.
The Hong Kong captain said they were able to feed off the crowd and get out to a good start.
"The first time you get out on this field there's always going to be that boost and we were able to do that and use that to our advantage."
Woodward said nothing changes now heading into their game against Zimbabwe. "We stick to our own game. We know everything counts with the points differential too."
Woodward said the biggest takeaway from their game with the Philippines is they need to try and keep possession moving forward. "We need to take better care of the ball. The teams are going to feed off the possession we give away. So we'll look at some tapes and see where we can improve moving forward."



Hong Kong 'fed off the crowd'

The South Americans progress to the final with a convincing win over Kenya.
Scotland vs Japan is up next. That should be a cracker.


Kenya 5-17 Brazil

The second semi-final is underway. Some say this should have been the final. Arguably the two best teams here in the last couple of days going head-to-head.


Japan vs Scotland

It's turning out to be a thriller like we thought. Some good rugby from both sides so far. We'll be in for an interesting second half.


Half-time Japan 12-10 Scotland

The thrills and spills are just too much for some people.
Photo: Colin O'Flaherty


Well, it is a holiday

Check out the Hong Kong Sevens preview show our very own Sam Agars and Mark Agnew put together ahead of todays' big kick-off.



SCMP Sevens Preview show

The Brits have made the final of the women's qualifier. A very impressive win over Japan sees them book their place to meet Brazil in the qualifier.
Second round of matches in the men's qualifier about to get underway.


Scotland 24-19 Japan

Our man Ben Young spoke to Scotland skipper Helen Carter. She told him it felt “amazing” to get the job done against Japan.
“We played them in the group stages and they beat us then but we knew if we made the right adjustments we could win.”
Carter also said they won’t be overlooking Brazil in the final, who are a “very tough” team.



Scotland delighted to 'get the job done' against Japan

Ben hasn't been able to talk to the Japanese players yet. He says some of them passed him in tears and haven't come out to comment yet.


Japan players devastated

Ben Young finally managed to speak to Japan coach Keiko Asami on what changed between the first and second game. 
“They did an excellent job scouting and studying us, they knew exactly how we wanted to attack. Also, we made a bunch of small, silly mistakes which cost us the match.”
He revealed his players were too low and were declining to talk to the media.


Japan coach speaks

Germany beat Cook Islands 10-7, and Chile lead 14-0 against Uganda currently.
Hong Kong will conclude today's men's qualifier action when they meet Zimbabwe at 4.30pm. Let's hope they can make it two from two and almost guarantee they progress.


Men's qualifiers continue

The South Americans show their class again with a convincing 33-7 win over Uganda in their second pool match.
 


Chile continue their impressive start

Two wins apiece for Chile and Germany removes any mystery in that pool and their work for the day is done. It's back to the team hotel and into ice baths for those lads.
Russia are about to make it two wins from two in their second pool match against Jamaica -- that will see them through to the knockout stages too. After that we'll have Ireland vs Uruguay to round off this pool for the day, and then it'll just be Hong Kong's pool E to figure out.
A win for Hong Kong in their game against Zimbabwe will see them through. A defeat will make it a nervy morning when they meet Tonga in their final pool match.


Progress in men's qualifiers

More and more Friday holiday revellers are making the trip over to the Stadium now, and as the growing crowd in the South Stand enjoys a Beatles tribute act during a break in play, it's starting to feel like Sevens weekend in So Kon Po.
Still plenty of rugby to be played today, too.



Friday afternoon South Stand

Ireland can sew up qualification with a win against Uruguay now. Ireland were mightily impressive this morning.


Ireland vs Uruguay

They were up 14-0, but Uruguay pulled a try (and conversion back), before Ireland went ahead again.
Ireland 21-7 Uruguay


Ireland race into lead

There's a bit of ogling going on already.
A bit of dancing
 And plenty of tomfoolery



South Stand chronicles

Massive shock in the men's qualifiers. Ireland were cruising to victory against Uruguay, before the South Americans staged a stunning comeback to get it to 26-26 at the hooter. Uruguay failed to convert a very achievable kick to the surprise of everyone in Hong Kong Stadium. A stunning game. 
Ireland should still qualify handily, but Uruguay missed the chance to pull off the shock of the tournament so far. Incredible scenes.


Ireland blow their chance to qualify quickly

Tonga meet Philippines now. The final game before Hong Kong are back in action.


Hong Kong's pool is in play

Entertaining game. Solid performance from the Philippines, who are not the whipping boys people thought they might be coming into this weekend.
Now for the big one: Hong Kong back in action, this time against Zimbabwe.


Tonga 36-12 Philippines

A glorious leap from Salom Yiu to get possession for Hong Kong from the start.
