Hong Kong Sevens 2023: champs Australia crash out of Cup contention, hosts’ women denied final flourish – day 2, as it happened
- In the men’s event, Hong Kong suffer a disappointing defeat by Great Britain as the defending champions Australia suffer shock loss
- Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Britain reach semi-finals of women’s competition as hosts bow out winless in four games this weekend
It was the day that felt like it would never end. It was part two of the 2023 Hong Kong Sevens and some hardy souls were in the South Stand since the stadium opened at 7am until the bitter end around 9.20pm.
The action came thick and fast, with Japan and Spain kicking things off at 8.46am, as the women played their final round of pool matches, with eight of them contesting the quarter-finals later in the evening.
There was plenty of drama, with Great Britain and Fiji getting late wins.
Hong Kong’s women made two appearances, losing both games like on Friday, and were denied a final flourish against Brazil. But they still bowed out with their heads held high after an emotional home World Series debut.
The men’s quarter-finals are also set for Sunday morning, with Australia the notable absentees after a shock loss to the USA.
New Zealand will take on Argentina, before France face Spain. Fiji then play South Africa, and the Americans tackle Great Britain.
Here’s how all the action unfolded at Hong Kong Stadium on another lively Sevens Saturday.
Reporting by Nic Atkin, Josh Ball, Tom Bell and Matthew Scott
