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SCMP Sport

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing.
It’s the end of March and the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has finally returned in its normal place in the sporting calendar.
No masks, no restrictions, no barriers to fun: this is the Sevens as it should be, with the added bonus of a full women’s competition for the first time.
The expanded tournament means days are starting earlier, running longer and the Post is here for every minute of every game, bringing you all the action as it happens.
Here’s a full rundown of all the action from Day 1 at Hong Kong Stadium.
Reporting by Josh Ball, Nic Atkin, Tom Bell, Matthew Scott and Connor Mycroft


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Hong Kong Sevens

Hong Kong Sevens 2023: hosts warm up stadium on damp but action-packed day 1 – as it happened

Entertainment with a dragon dance during the 2023 Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Sam Tsang

Sport

Rugby

HK Sevens

New Zealand set standard in women’s competition, where Hong Kong’s first try of the weekend provides a highlight despite results going against them
Paul John’s men’s side finish with a flourish, scoring two late tries in defeat by France


Hosts’ men’s and women’s sides warm up Hong Kong Stadium on a damp but action packed opening day.


Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong Sevens: As it happened

Live

It’s that time again.
After a welcome return to action last November, the Hong Kong Sevens is back bigger than ever, in its traditional calendar slot to boot.
Fans are slowly starting to file into Hong Kong Stadium, but some early morning rain showers will probably not help in terms of crowd numbers for the first games.
Either way, the women’s competition will get the event under way, with France and Japan first up at 12.16pm.
Hong Kong will take on New Zealand at 2.15pm.


Welcome to the 2023 Sevens

The women’s pool games will be getting things started in So Kon Po.
Here’s our handy graphic that has got you covered for kick-off times, live scores and results.
You can follow along on our day 1 results page here too.


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Here’s our handy schedule

Montserrat Amedee gives France an early lead, with Caroline Drouin converting, but Japan are soon level as Wakaba Hara powers over.
Michiyo Suda adds the extras to tie it up at 7-7, though France cross again, Amedee getting her second in the right hand corner after a neat hand-off.
Seraphine Okemba adds a third for Les Bleus before the break and they’re rolling, up 19-7 after another Drouin conversion.



France lead at the break

Lili Dezou adds a fourth score for France in the 10th minute, before Okemba gets a second, with the European side quickly powering into a 31-7 lead.
Chloe Jacquet them gets France’s sixth try in added time and Paula Barrat converts.
It finishes 38-7, with Japan having no answer.



Big statement from France

Kristi Kershe gets the US off the mark with two early tries in the first three minutes, and Nicole Heavirland and Kayla Canett adds the extras for 14-0.
Naya Tapper gets a third with the Americans cruising at the break.
There aren’t many fans here yet, but the US supporters are making their presence known, as usual.



Americans cruising

Apparently the public address announcer at the stadium doesn’t know who any of the players are.
This can be the only reason for stating the obvious that a try has been scored, without then providing the useful information as to who scored it.
Something for the organisers that one.


A pointless PA

It’s relentless from the USA’s women, as Ariana Ramsey adds their fourth try.
Spain get off the mark through Eva Aguirre Diaz in the 12th minute and it’s 28-7 after Ingrid Almar’s conversion – though it’s little more than a consolation.



USA turn the screw

The South Stand is not the buzz of activity it will be later.
There are just 8 fans so far, scattered around, but they have 9 stewards keeping them company, and to make sure they don’t get too rowdy.



Calm before the storm

There may not be many fans yet at Hong Kong Stadium.
But there is plenty of beer ready for them, and with 35,000 expected to come through the gates by the end of Friday evening, it may all be needed.
Hope you like Carlsberg.



Beer, glorious beer

The adults may just be getting going, but it’s already been a busy morning here.
Strictly speaking, the Sevens began at 8.20am with mini-rugby, featuring players tiny in stature but bringing outsized excitement, shepherded around the pitch by equally enthusiastic coaches.

A big moment for them all – just ask your envious Post blogger, who missed Stanley Fort under-12s’ appearance back in the day, after his parents booked a holiday at Sevens time. Cheers.
With players’ families adding vocal support, the fixtures progressed through the junior age groups, ending with Sandy Bay beating Valley Fort in the under-18s boys’ match.



Big day for the minis

Ireland take the lead against Fiji’s women, with a sixth-minute score from Stacey Flood. Lucy Mulhall adds the extras and it’s 7-0 at half-time.
But Fiji break away straight from the restart and Raijieli Daveua touches down beneath the posts, having run half the length of the pitch.
Ana Maria Naimasi converts to level it up, and Meredani Qoro quickly puts Fiji in front. The islanders power down the right hand side for a late third try from Younis Bese, and 17-7 it ends up.



Fiji battle back

Fancy dress costumes are tradition at the Hong Kong Sevens, and we’ve already seen some belters in the early going here.
The Flintstones are out in full force.



Meet the Flintstones

While Hong Kong’s men and women’s Sevens teams take on the world’s best, another group of players are heading to Argentina to take part in the 2023 Deaf World 7s Tournament.
Seven men and three women will compete for a Barbarians team in next week’s event in Cordoba, where they take on the likes of England, Australia, Wales, Fiji and Japan.
England international Jodie Ounsley, the first deaf female rugby player to appear for the full senior side, visited the team at their last training session and said it was “truly inspiring to see that nothing is holding them back”.

Men’s squad: Julian Chan Kwun-sing, Chan Tat-wai, Cheung Ka-tai, Chung Ho-ting, Li Wai-ming, Yeung Kwong-tik, William Yoong Jing-hao. Women’s squad: Cheng Pui-man, Ng Hoi-yee, Tsang Wing-tun.


Deaf World 7s

Tough assignment for Brazil against Australia. The South Americans – commendably – hold out for a couple of minutes, but Sariah Paki eventually breaks the deadlock.
Madison Ashby soon adds another try. Then comes another from Maddison Levi. And two more from Charlotte Caslick.
It’s 31-0 at the break, and the Australians – who are second behind New Zealand in the women’s World Series table – are showing why they are one of the big favourites for this tournament.



Australia bashing Brazil

Australia pick up where they left off after the break.
Teagan Levi – who has three conversions already – adds a sixth score straight away, and Maddison Levi then gets her second, putting Australia 43-0 up.
But Brazil are all smiles after a nice turn of pace from Thalia Costa brings them a nice consolation try.


Consolation for Brazil

Hugo Stiles has been waiting to get back onto the pitch at Hong Kong Stadium longer than most.
The Hongkonger last set foot on the field some 16 years ago as an under-9, and his journey back has been far from smooth.
Hoping to be part of the squad for the tournament last November, the Valley RFC back suffered an injury in training that left him wondering if he’d ever play again.
Now he’s hours away from being part of the Sevens once more. You can read about his inspirational return to fitness, and the fulfilment of a lifelong dream here.



Living the dream

A miscommunication between stadium staff left some fans high up in the West Stand without any liquid refreshment at the start of the day.
Traditionally a dry area of Hong Kong Stadium, vendors and security guards were left with the impression this morning that all drinks were prohibited.
One vendor told the Post the rule was implemented moments after the action started, and Tim Teahan, a fan from New Zealand, was not impressed.
“I don’t know any stadium in the world where you can’t drink from the seats,” he said. “I’m not here to be drunk outside. I’m here to watch rugby.”
However, officials later said it was only alcohol that was banned from the top tier, and were expected to clarify that with staff.



Stadium drinks confusion

Canada and Great Britain look well matched as they reach half-time scoreless, thanks to some determined defending all round.
We know Brits and Canadians should be used to a bit of drizzle, but a slippery ball is also troubling both sides.
The deadlock is finally broken when GB’s Heather Cowell touches down – although the scoring pass looks forward.
The Canadians should really grab the try they deserve, but they squander a glaring overlap, then Olivia De Couvreur fumbles with the line at her mercy. It’s 5-0 GB.



GB edge a tight one

The home team are out there for their World Series debut, along with New Zealand, who lead the series and rule the women’s game generally.
The volume goes straight up. Stand by.


Look out, here’s Hong Kong

This is a serious step up for Hong Kong’s women in their first outing of the tournament.
The city’s team would not normally be playing in the elite World Series, but have a place this weekend as hosts, and are fired up to give a good account of themselves.
They keep their composure in possession but are hemmed back in their own half and whenever they are turned over, the Kiwis make them pay.
Stacey Waaka (twice), Kelly Brazier and Sarah Hirini go over for tries for New Zealand before half-time.



Stern test for home side

If Australia impressed earlier, New Zealand issue a reminder that they are the team to beat in this World Series.
With the Hong Kong players tiring as they battle bravely to hold back the black tide, further tries arrive for Stacey Waaka (her third), Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
It ends 50-0 to New Zealand, who look supreme. Hong Kong haven’t disgraced themselves – they’ll learn from that.



Kiwis hand Hong Kong 50-0 loss

The men’s tournament starts here, and who better to follow that statement performance by New Zealand’s women than their compatriots.
The Kiwi men – like the women – lead the World Series standings. Let’s see what shape they’re in as they take on Kenya.
Here’s our handy graphic to keep up to date with all the results in the men’s competition.


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Men’s teams join the party

Tamara Miyonette, a form 5 student, says she feels “inspired” watching the women’s teams perform at this year’s Hong Kong Sevens, a first for the tournament.
“This is the first time I’ve seen women play professional rugby,” she says. “It feels amazing watching women being represented on such a big stage.”
Miyonette, who plays rugby for the Sir Ellis Kadoorie Secondary School (West Kowloon), says watching the women perform on the field reassures her she can continue her dream of going pro one day.



What it’s all about

Last time these two sides met in Hong Kong, in November, things looked very different for New Zealand.
It was 9am on the Sunday, and they had failed to reach the Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever in Hong Kong.
They tonked the Kenyans that morning, and are quick to take command here as Leroy Carter, Dylan Collier and Akuila Rokolisoa cross for tries. Kenya get a score back through Nelson Oyoo, but Cody Vai and Rokolisoa again make it 29-5 at full-time.
We see flashes of the form that has turned the Kiwis’ season around. They don’t fancy that 9am slot this Sunday.



NZ in the mood

A group of friends from the UK are in the city for the first time for this year’s Hong Kong Sevens.
Dressed up in a sombrero and poncho, Joe Hayes, 25, calls the atmosphere at Hong Kong Stadium “immense” despite the rain on day one.
“It’s great just seeing everyone smiling and happy,” he says, adding the six friends plan on wearing the same outfit all weekend.
“I’ve just got to keep track of my moustache.”



A Friday fiesta

There’s plenty riding on this Ireland v South Africa tussle, because they’re in New Zealand’s group and neither can really afford a loss.
It’s Ireland, mind you, who are the seeded side in the pool, based on their placing in the last leg of the series in Vancouver.
The South Africans aren’t about to accept that state of affairs lying down, and open the scoring via Mfundo Ndhlovu before Matthew McDonald replies. That’s the way it stays until a minute left, when SA’s Zain Davids thunders in at the right corner for 14-7.
Who knows where that leaves us in pool D.



Pool seeds Ireland beaten

If pool D is complicated, wait until you see pool A, which squeezes in Fiji and Samoa, and neither are the top seeds. No, that’ll be Argentina, who won the recent Vancouver Sevens.
We’ll start to settle the argument next, when the Pacific pair meet.
Yes, it’s Fiji time.



Fiji o’clock

First blood to Fiji in the Pacific dust-up, which starts with Joseva Talacolo reaching a long arm over the line to score.
There’s little between the sides though, and only a forward pass stops Vaovasa Afa Sua levelling on the stroke of half-time. Afa Sua is denied again for the same reason in the second half, then his teammate Taunuu Niulevaea fails to ground the ball properly.
Pilipo Bukayaro gets Fiji back on track before Neueli Leitufia finally gets Samoa off the mark. And that’s how it finishes: 12-7 Fiji.
Samoa started like a train last year, beating Australia and New Zealand, so that outcome should please Fiji’s coach, the former England star Ben Gollings.


Fiji scrape past Samoa

Argentina rack up two quick fire first-half tries from Marcos Moneta and Agustin Fraga to leave Canada facing an uphill battle.
But Canada get themselves back in it through Josiah Morra’s score in added time.
It’s 12-7 at the break.



Game on

It’s a tight game here in the second half.
But Argentina – considered by some as dark horses for the tournament – stretch their lead again after Luciano Gonzalez goes over, and it stays 17-7.
This was a must-win game, with Pacific Island powerhouses Samoa and Fiji up next tomorrow in what is a brutal Pool A.



Argentina see it through

After four exciting men’s games, we’re heading back to the women’s competition.
Here’s how things stand from their Pool games so far on Friday, with France and Spain up next.


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Back to the women

After routing Japan 38-7 in the opening match of the morning, France’s women are building up another big score against Spain.
Carla Nelsen crosses in the first and fifth minutes, either side of Lili Dezou’s second score of the day, as Les Bleus quickly lead 19-0.
Seraphine Okemba gets among the points again, and it’s 26-0 at the break.


France rolling again

This one is getting ugly for Spain.
Montserrat Amedee gets in on the act with France’s fifth try in the 10th minute, and adds the extras having converted three already.
Chloe Pelle and substitute Lucy Hapulat – who goes in unopposed under the posts from a breakaway – round out a brutal 45-0 thrashing.


A procession for France

The USA are back in action, but Japan’s women get a shock early 5-0 lead thanks to Wakabe Hara.
It’s soon 10-0 – and Hong Kong Stadium loves it – as Hara touches down again. The Americans are shellshocked.
Kristi Kirshe gets them back on track though with two breakaway tries, and the USA are 12-10 ahead at half time.



Ding dong battle

Naya Tapper makes it 19-10 soon after the restart, with order very much restored for the USA after that shocking start.
But hold the phone, Japan aren’t done here.
Yume Hirano goes over with three minutes to go, and Michiyo Suda converts. It’s 19-17, and we’ve got a game.
The Americans aren’t done either, though, and work their way up the field before sub Kris Thomas makes sure of the win.



USA survive Japan scare

Fiji’s women back up again, and this one is already over.
First half tries from Meredani Qoro, Reapi Ulunisau, Viniana Riawai, and Adi vani Buleki give Fiji a commanding 22-0 lead over Brazil at the break.
More of the same in the second half, with Qoro and vani Buleki adding their second scores. Brazil do manage to get a consolation through Gabriela Lima in added time.
It finishes 36-5, and it’s not going to dampen the mood at all for those hardcore Fiji fans who have travelled.



Fiji women cruising

A bit more of a competitive one here between Australia and Ireland’s women – well, to begin with, at least.
Faith Nathan gives the Aussies the lead but Kathy Baker puts the Irish back in it briefly, before Teagan Levi and Charlotte Caslick go over.
Ireland aren’t out of it though. They push for a second try, and get it in the right corner through Amy Leigh Murphy Crowe with less than three minutes to go, setting up a tense finish.
Ireland push for a third after the hooter sounds, but Australia hold firm to win 19-12.



Aussies win tight encounter

Hong Kong’s women are back on for their second match shortly, when they take on Canada.
They are still finding their feet at this level, so let’s see if they can bounce back after losing to the dominant New Zealanders earlier.
Whatever happens, they can bank on support from the stands, which are filling up a little more as people finish work.


Come on Hong Kong

As predicted, a huge cheer as the home team run out. A team huddle for some final words, and they are off.
The crowd are straight into it as a chant circles the stadium: “Hong Kong! Hong Kong!”


Stadium hails Hong Kong women

The occasion may be all about Hong Kong, but the first-half scoreboard says otherwise.
This is a very handy Canada side and they really should have got something out of their earlier clash with Great Britain, which they lost by only one try to none.
They get over the whitewash at last through Julia Greenshields, and add a second try for Breanne Nicholas.
Olivia Apps is running things for the Canadians at the moment.



Canada start stronger

There’s surely the moment of the day so far.
After Agnes Tse finds space, Natasha Olson-Thorne spies the try-line and makes a dart for it. She is hauled down just short, but Hong Kong keep their composure and, with several players lining up to score, Tse finishes by the posts. The crowd love it.
That’s as good as it gets for the hosts, as Canada’s Krissy Scurfield and Taejah Thompson run in late scores to clinch it 22-5.
It’s livened things up though, and now seems an apt time for the stadium DJ to give “Sweet Caroline” its first spin. The crowd love that, too.



Try for Hong Kong – and Sweet Caroline

This is more of the same from New Zealand after they swatted aside Hong Kong 50-0 this afternoon.
Back on pitch to face Great Britain, they take a strangehold straight away when Shiray Kaka scores. Their superior athleticism and use of space is obvious as Risi Pouri-Lane powers clear to score wide on the right, Kaka does likewise on the left then Pouri-Lane again gets one through the centre.
How do you stop this onslaught? GB have no answers, certainly not on the Kiwis’ right-hand side, from where Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Stacey Waaka add tries. Michaela Blyde’s score makes it 43-0.



New Zealand just too good

After a relentless morning and afternoon of rugby, we’ve been treated to a bit of a break with some entertainment at Hong Kong Stadium.
We’ve had some music from Joyce Cheng Yan-yi – as well as a traditional dragon dance.



A break at last

Bar owners and operators in Wan Chai are optimistic this weekend’s sales supersede those from 2022’s edition by far, when there were still some Covid-19 restrictions in place.
“I am 100 per cent confident this weekend will be busier than November,” says Chris Foalle, general manager for Devil’s Advocate in Lockhart Road.
He says he expects revenue to be double what it was during November’s tournament, and that he’s already seen business grow over the past week as international tourists return to the city.



Sevens bar business booming

We have four more men’s matches to round out the first day at Hong Kong Stadium.
The USA and Spain are first up, with Pol Pla breaking the deadlock in added time of a tight first half, and Juan Ramos converting for a 7-0 lead.
Pla’s try proves to be the difference, with the USA unable to conjure any response in the second half.


Back to the men’s competition

Breaking: panic in the media centre as singer Joyce Cheng Yan-yi enters the room.
Fresh from her performance out on pitch, the sequinned Cheng causes a minor stampede as journalists and event staff rush to grab a selfie with her.
The Post is too much of an indie snob to join the queue, but is prepared to pap the scene from a safe distance. Fair play to Joyce.



Selfies with Joyce

Defending men’s champions Australia are back out on the hallowed turf after their stunning triumph in November.
And it looks like they will be collecting a routine win.
First-half tries from Maurice Longbottom, Matthew Gonzalez (2), and Dietrich Roache put the Aussies in cruise control, up 26-0.


The champs are here

In the penultimate match of the night, Great Britain are 14-5 up against Uruguay.
Jamie Barden’s two tries, either side of Baltazar Amaya for Uruguay, give them the edge, with Freddie Roddick converting both.


GB in control

That brings us to the final match of a mammoth first day of the 2023 Hong Kong Sevens.
Hong Kong’s men’s side will be taking on France in just over five minutes.


It’s time for Hong Kong

A group of four friends from Germany are on their first trip to Asia, after three of them surprised one with Hong Kong Sevens tickets for his birthday.
“We had to do it,” says Max, 20. “He’s such a big rugby fan.”
Ricky, who recently turned 24, used to play for his university’s rugby team. So far, he says he’s loving his “birthday” weekend.
“We’re so happy to be here,” he says. “The atmosphere is great and the energy in the South Stand is fantastic.”


A birthday surprise

This is electric. Everyone’s all in, yelling for the home heroes as they swarm all over France, penning them back with proactive defence and having some goes at the line themselves.
Hong Kong’s commitment cannot be faulted, but – playing above their usual level – they can’t hold the French at bay entirely. Jordan Sepho breaks clear for two first-half tries.
Can the hosts make them think again?


Spirited stuff from hosts

All credit to the Hong Kong lads, who are creating chaos with their blitzing defence and energetic rucking. It’s appreciated in the stands.
They are emptying the tank – and that leaves them fatigued when Jonathan Laugel steps through a gap to score for 21-0 France.
But they’re still up in French faces to force a turnover that gives Seb Brien a run-in to score.
And there’s more: pressing on after the full-time siren, successive tap penalties allow them to work some space on the right and Brien is in again. 21-14 it finishes.


Hong Kong beaten but end on high

That display from the Hong Kong men’s team was a fitting way to finish.
It rounds off Friday’s matches and sends the thousands in the stadium out into the night in an upbeat mood. Day 1 done – two to go.
Here’s all the results from the men’s Pool matches on Friday.


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Finishing touch

It’s an early start on Saturday – 8.46am, to be precise – with the women back in action.
Here’s how things unfolded on Friday, and all the kick-off times for Saturday.
With that, we will bid you adieu.


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Hong Kong Sevens 2023: hosts warm up stadium on damp but action-packed day 1 – as it happened

New Zealand set standard in women’s competition, where Hong Kong’s first try of the weekend provides a highlight despite results going against them Paul John’s men’s side finish with a flourish, scoring two late tries in defeat by France

New Zealand set standard in women’s competition, where Hong Kong’s first try of the weekend provides a highlight despite results going against them

Paul John’s men’s side finish with a flourish, scoring two late tries in defeat by France