AtTheSevens.com

About Maru

Website: http://AtTheSevens.com
Maru has written 223 articles so far, you can find them below.

Australia come of age with a great win in Tokyo

Filed under IRB Sevens Series, Tokyo by Maru on April 2, 2012 at 1:40 pm {3 comments}

Australia have used a lot of players in their sevens teams over the last 3 years. In fact, Australia have always had a high turnover of players ever since the IRB World Sevens Series began.

Australian Super Rugby teams regularly contract players from their national sevens ranks. It doesn’t seem to take long for prominent names to move on.

It seems that many from their Commonwealth Games team were only just becoming established on the sevens circuit when they moved on.

There are only 3 players are left from the last Australia team to have won an IRB World Sevens Series event in London in 2010.

What it means is that coach Michael O’Connor does a wonderful job of getting young Australian rugby players up to speed – to instil the toughness, belief and team cohesion required to win an event.

A week earlier in Hong Kong, Australia were beaten in the last seconds of their quarter final by a run away try from the Series fastest man, Dan Norton of England. The Australians were on attack and had England pinned down int heir own 22 but Norton got away out wide ont the left and any Cup aspirations went with him.

Australia looked competent but they were still a little raw, making errors on defense and the occasional bad decisions on attack.

6 days later on Day#1 in Tokyo, they won their first 2 pool games but lost to New Zealand 22-10 in their last match.

But the team regrouped on Day#2 and beat Wales (21-14), England (33-12) and Samoa (28-26) in an epic final – just one week after being put out at the Plate semi-finals stage in Hong Kong.

Congratulations are due.

2010 Commonwealth Games Team	2010 London Sevens winning team	2012 Tokyo Sevens Winners
Bernard Foley Liam Gill Brackin Karauria-Henry Patrick McCutcheon Luke Morahan Nicholas Phipps Edward Quirk Brian Sefanaia Clinton Sills Kimami Sitauti James Stannard Jacob Taylor Lachlan Turner Daniel Yakapo	Bernard Foley Ed Jenkins Brackin Karauria-Henry Sam Latunipulu Jesse Parahi Nick Phipps Clinton Sills James Stannard Ed Stubbs Jacob Taylor Henry Vanderglas Daniel Yakopo	Damon Anderson Thomas English Allan Fa’alava’au Gregory Jeloudev Ed Jenkins Matt Lucas Sean McMahon Jesse Parahi Jordan Tuapou Shannon Walker Daniel Yakopo

Tokyo takes its toll: South Africa decimated by injuries

Filed under IRB Sevens Series, Tokyo by Maru on April 1, 2012 at 9:27 am {no comments}

Not only did they lose Player of the Year Cecil Afrika at the quarter final stage in Hong Kong but Paul Delport didn’t make it to Tokyo either.

Now Boom Prinsloo and Frankie Horne are in doubt after suffering head injuries against Scotland in the first match on Day #1.

And if this wasn’t enough, Branco du Preez did not feature in South Africa’s last match of the day against Samoa.

This will be a real challenge for Paul Treu’s men who rallied remarkably to beat England for 3rd place in Hong Kong without Afrika but the toll is now too great to overcome in extremely challenging conditions in Tokyo.

Where to from here?

You won’t hear Paul Treu complain – that’s not the way he is, and good on him.

It’s now about growth
Young players need to step up and learn – a big ask but South Africa can take some confidence into their quarter final against England because they beat the English at this stage last week in Hong Kong.

South Africa need to finish strongly regardless of the result.

Paul Treu will regroup for the final 2 legs of the World Series in Glasgow and London. Hopefully his younger players will have developed some of the hard-nosed attitudes of his senior players and the injuries heal.

Tokyo 2012 Quarter final: Fiji v Samoa

Filed under IRB Sevens Series, Tokyo by Maru on April 1, 2012 at 9:26 am {no comments}

Fiji were beaten by England at the end of a wet and windy Day#1 at The Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground in Tokyo.

England now play South Africa in their quarter final while Fiji take on Samoa in a battle of the big Pacific Nations.

Fiji did not play all that badly. This was a case of England taking their chances and then defending extremely well. In wet and windy conditions, territory and defense count – even against teams who often score from 80+ metres.

Fiji’s earlier matches were against France (17-0) and Japan (26-7). They looked to be continuing their form from Hong Kong last weekend when they were unstoppable.

But the weather and maybe the mental fatigue started to take its toll and England took their chances.

A night’s rest might be all that’s needed.

Samoa’s Day#1

Portugal took them very close in their first match of the day, 21-20. The strong Portugese forwards took the Samoans on up the middle, finding space through the tackle.

It’s not often that teams take on Samoa up front and live to tell the story but Portugal showed a vulnerability in the defense. With Faosiliva often running wide on attack, this can leave a lot of the defensie load being placed on the other 2 forwards and inside backs.

Then Samoa were taken close by an inspired Scotland side. The second half yellow card to Mark Robinson gave Samoa the advantage they needed and Ken Pisi capitalised.

Scotland finished the match strongly.

In their last match Samoa got it together and drilled South Africa 38-7.

So who’s going to win?

Day#1 results count for nothing when it comes to the knock out stage. Often the close matches and an isolated loss make teams stronger.

Discipline will be a big issue. There is no love lost between these 2 sides.

In theory, wet weather should suit Samoa more but they have a worse disciplinary record. Uale Mai is critical to Samoa’s chances both as a play maker and leader.

For Fiji, the experience of Cakau and Lutumailagi will be needed to keep heads focused.

Our pick: Samoa in a boil over

4 must dos when you are in Hong Kong for the Sevens (and aren’t planning on venturing too far)

Filed under Commentary, Hong Kong, IRB Sevens Series by Maru on March 31, 2012 at 2:23 am {no comments}

I’ve only been twice (2010, 2012) and I did not venture from Hong Kong Island either time so this is not exactly a well-crafted list but it may be useful if you’re going for the first time and just plan to hang out in and around the Causeway Bay and Wan Chai areas (the closest areas to the stadium).

Note – I have not received any money (yet) from any of the businesses mentioned here.

1. Get some custom-made shirts from a local tailor

I had several friends and relatives get clothes made for them in Hong Kong and they were happy with the value and quality.

I went to the Power Co on Fenwick Street, a couple of blocks from the Wan Chai markets and just around the corner from an Apple store.

I paid an average of $NZ68 per shirt ($USD 55) for 3 shirts.

The guy was hilarious and we met some Irish supporters there for shirts and the sevens.

2. Visit the Burger Room on the way back from the stadium

We had had a couple of beers at the stadium but weren’t drunk by any means.

One of our party had been there several times over the 3 days that the tournament ran so he was a regular.

The Burger Room sell beer and the 2 guys that run it are accommodating and very nice.

TripAdvsor has mixed reviews but they are mostly focused around service and may be written by people with a biased appreciation – unfortunately not everywhere is as dedicated to customer service as the United States. You need to be aware that you are in a busy place in a busy city at a busy time and that when you are going anywhere drunk & hungry you may not be at your most attractive – you could be perceived as a burden.

Be polite and enjoy a Hoegaarden while you wait. The Portobello mushroom in my chicken burger was the same size as the bun – I’ll never forget it as long as I live … and will go back to the Burger Room as soon as I get back to Hong Kong.

3. Stroll the Wan Chai markets

Vegetarians need to enter via the Queens Road and avoid going too far south to the butcher street – unless you want to re-affirm your choice.

Most of the merchandise is cheap Chinese made stuff – but it IS CHEAP.

Great for the little things you may have forgotten like belts, wallets, watch straps, hand bags, socks, underwear and little presents for the kids.

I grabbed 2 replica liverpool kits for my 18 month old for around $USD 10 (they didn’t have any rugby gear) and some angry birds paraphernalia for my girls.

4. Have a decent camera with you at ALL times

When you’re bar-hopping in Wan Chai or mingling with the crowds up the cobble stone streets of Lang Kwai Fong you are bound to see people and sights you want to capture.

Something that takes HD video and stills at a minimum of 5MP.

Mark Ella, Glen Ella and me

I recommend a small DSLR.

I take a Sony NEX-3. It looks like I’ve got a folded up dildo in my pocket but with auto focus, 3-4 fps burst rate & auto flash, it makes it very easy for a semi-sober bystander to get a good shot of you with a legend.

Also, it takes HD video so you can capture gems.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXRZb70bMGs&list=UU-oa7EpKmSZ3PHLAp4pMEFQ&index=1&feature=plcp]

Can Fiji make it 2 in a row?

Filed under Hong Kong, IRB Sevens Series by Maru on March 29, 2012 at 5:03 pm {no comments}

Fiji, 2012 Hong Kong Sevens Champions
Can Fiji back up from their impressive win in Hong Kong and win in Tokyo as well?

YES! they certainly can.

And anyone who watched the Hong Kong Sevens over the weekend will agree with me because Fiji were unstoppable.

They were precise and powerful at the breakdown, clean at the set piece and devastating out wide. They were also uncompromising on defense and played with considerable tactical nous when it counted most.

All the talk before the tournament was about whether Fiji had the right mix – the right TEAM – rather than the best individual players the tiny Pacific Island nation has available.

New Zealand Sevens great Eric Rush stopped over in Fiji en route to Kong Hong. He warned that Fiji have ‘got so much talent that they change the team all the time,’ and that this was not good for team cohesion.

There were two experienced players left out or injured including Emosi Vucago and Osea Kolinisau. And there were 6 new players in the playing squad of 12.

But Fiji gelled right from the start.

Nikola Matawalu played superbly out wide burning defenders and scoring almost at will throughout the 3 days, earning him the Player of the Tournament honour.

Metuisela Talebula guided the attack around the field with flair and precision.

Added to the rock solid and consistent performances of Joeli Lutumailagi and Stephano Cakau, Fiji were truly awesome.

What does history say?
Fiji have won 2 events in this year’s series, something they have not managed since the 2008-09 season when they won in Hong Kong and Edinburgh.

They have not won back-to-back tournaments since the 2005-06 season – Fiji’s only series win.

So what could possibly go wrong from here?
I was travelling with several Fijians on Air Pacific from Hong Kong and their concern was the potential for complacency.

The issue was that Fiji might not have the right focus after winning in Hong Kong. They may take too long to get their feet on the ground and get their heads back into hard-work mode.

On the positive side, Fiji have 6 new young players and 4-5 veterans. It’s a very very talented mix.

If they continue to play their natural open, running style and are able to defend with venom, Fiji may just pull off their second win in 10 days and the 2011-2012 series may yet be theirs.

Of course there are going to be 12 Samoans smarting from their quarter final exit, 12 Kiwis and a decent coach strategising how to bring the Fijians down, South Africans and Australians biting at their heels.

Bring on Tokyo!

Is Jack Wilson the next big thing for New Zealand?

Filed under Hong Kong, IRB Sevens Series, Mount Maunganui Club 7s by Maru on March 28, 2012 at 11:43 pm {no comments}

New Zealand were without the highly experienced forward duo of Lote Raikubula and Solomon King at the 2012 Hong Kong Sevens. But a new star emerged in the form of Jack Wilson.

Son of former All Black Brett Wilson, Jack recently returned to the Bay of Plenty after a stint in Canterbury. He played sevens for the Bay at the Nationals in Queenstown and was named in the New Zealand training squad at the end.

Unfortunately an injury sustained during the tournament kept Wilson out of contention for the New Zealand and USA World Sevens Series events.

It was a little ironic that Wilson’s chance came from an injury to Lote Raikubula. The 2 men played for Rangataua at the Mt Maunganui Club Sevens back in January where Wilson scored the winning try in the final.

Wilson had been training with Gordon Teitjens’ squad before they left for Hong Kong and he was playing in the tens tournament that precedes the sevens when he got the late callup.

Wilson en route to his try against South Africa in the Semi-final at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Jack Wilson, New Zealand Sevens

We caught up with Jack after his debut against Wales at the 2012 Hong Kong Sevens.

He also scored against a great solo try against South Africa in the pool match at the end of Day#2 running 80 metres brushing of 2 tacklers.

Jak Wilson, New Zealand

Here’s the post-match comment

Ken Pisi takes his chance in Hong Kong

Filed under Hong Kong, IRB Sevens Series by Maru on March 28, 2012 at 10:41 pm {6 comments}

Ken Pisi, Samoa
No-one was begrudging Ken Pisi his opportunity to play for Samoa in the IRB World Sevens Series.

The North Harbour veteran had been a consistent performer in the New Zealand national provincial championship and played in the Blues development teams of 2010 and 2011.

Pisi had played very well at the 2 tournaments I watched in the build up to the Wellington sevens (NZ Nationals and Mt Maunganui Club 7s).

The only question was whether he would get much game time in the formidable back line that already included Uale Mai, Lol Lui, Tom Iosefo and Paul Perez.

But to his credit coach Stephen Betham selected Pisi ahead of Tom Iosefo in their first match against Kenya and it took just just 31 seconds to repay the faith as Pisi crashed over to get Samoa off to a flying start in Hong Kong.

He then scored another try in the Plate semi final against Wales.

Unfortunately Samoa could not recapture the form they had in Las Vegas, losing Uale Mai to injury before dramatically crashing out to South Africa in the quarter final.

Samoa regrouped to win the Plate with convincing wins over Wales and Argentina on the way and regardless of the outcome.

In Hong Kong Ken Pisi more than justified his selection by bringing another strong running option to the Samoan back line.

Can New Zealand win in Hong Kong without Frank Halai?

Filed under Hong Kong, IRB Sevens Series by Maru on March 18, 2012 at 6:21 pm {4 comments}

New Zealand’s Frank Halai sits on top of the World Series try scorer’s list with 27.

He scored 6 tries in Wellington including the match winner in the extra time victory over England and 2 in the final against Fiji.

Frank Halai in motion

But he won’t be adding to that total in Hong Kong because the big wing is out with injury.

Halai has been in the New Zealand Sevens set up for the past 2 and a half seasons and during that time he has matured considerably. Speed, size and strength need to be controlled and focused to be effective. Halai has mastered this and it remains to be seen whether New Zealand will be quite as successful without him.

He scores the kinds of tries that few players can. He needs only the smallest amount of space to get a step on opponents and once he is in motion, his fend and speed make him almost impossible to bring down.

New Zealand’s options

New Zealand coach Gordon Teitjens is likely to start Tim Mikkleson on the wing with Waisake Naholo coming off the bench.

Mikkleson is experienced, elusive and strong. He often lines up in the forwards but he plays on the wing in 15-a-side rugby for the Waikato province.

Waisake Naholo is a raw talent but he needs experience. He made 1-2 rookie mistakes in Las Vegas – He was stood up on defense and gave away a silly penalty throwing the ball away when he was ruled in touch on a sideline run.

And this year in Hong Kong there are no easy pool matches in which to gain confidence. With just 12 teams in the World Series division there are no mis-matches in the first round like previous years.

But can New Zealand win without big Frank?

With Tomasi Cama in great form, New Zealand are always in with a chance

Charles Piutau has come on very well since joining the team this season and Wellington debutant Mark Jackman seems to be finding his feet scoring 4 tries in Las Vegas.

Playmaker Tomasi Cama is in the form of his life. He is on top of the series points scoring table and in 3rd spot on the try scorers table. He creates scoring opportunities from nothing and creates gaps in the tightest defenses.

That said, New Zealand are without their 2 most experienced players.

Toby Arnold is recuperating from knee surgery
Hard working forward Solomon King has not recovered from the injury he picked up in Las Vegas

Bottom line If New Zealand are going to win in Hong Kong, then Tomasi Cama needs to continue his great form, Waisake Naholo must have a blinder and the forwards need to step up.

The potential is there but with the quality of the competition, it remains to be seen whether New Zealand can back up from their victory in 2011.

Injury forces New Zealand into several changes

Filed under Hong Kong, IRB Sevens Series by Maru on March 18, 2012 at 10:58 am {no comments}

New Zealand coach Gordon Teitjens has been forced to make more changes after injuries were suffered by key players Frank Halai and Solomon King.

The highly experienced Toby Arnold underwent surgery following a knee injury at the New Zealand Sevens so will be out for the rest of the season.

Teitjens has named Auckland teenager Lolagi Visinia as the only new cap. There have been recalls for Waikato’s Joe Webber and Taranaki’s Kylem O’Donnell.

Vinisia was part of the Auckland Sevens team that won the Nationals in Queenstown in January.

Jono Malo and Joe Webber

After playing in Las Vegas, Waiakto’s Jono Malo did not make the team. Many people were surprised when Teitjens overlooked O’Donnel and Webber for Vegas because Malo was not in the training squad of 30 named after the Nationals and both men played reasonably well in the South Africa Sevens.

Webber played in all 3 World Series tournaments before the Christmas break. O’Donnel only played in South Africa.

The changes from Las Vegas are: Vinisia, Webber and O’Donnell in; King, Halai and Malo out.

New Zealand
Tomasi Cama
DJ Forbes
Bryce Heem
Mark Jackman
Tim Mikkelson
Waisake Naholo
Kylem O’Donnell
Charles Piutau
Lote Raikabula
Ardie Savea
Lolagi Visinia
Joe Webber

Broader squad members training with New Zealand Sevens

Filed under Hong Kong, IRB Sevens Series by Maru on March 13, 2012 at 1:04 pm {no comments}

Bay of Plenty’s Jack Wilson was training with the New Zealand squad ahead of the 2012 Hong Kong Sevens.

Jack Wilson - Moved home from Canterbury and on the rise

Wilson was named in coach Gordon Teitjens 30-man squad after the National Sevens in Queenstown but he sustained an injury during the tournament and didn’t take part in the training sessions.

He returned to join New Zealand star Lote Raikubula to help Rangataua win the Mount Maunganui Club Sevens at the end of January.

Is Teitjens concerned about stopping big opponents running out wide?

…maybe

Samoans Paul Perez and Afato Faosiliva devastated New Zealand with their powerful running out wide.

Utility player Tim Mikkleson was not able to stop Faosiliva in Las Vegas and that cost New Zealand the title.

Wilson is a decent specimen who plays on the flank in the 15-a-side game. In sevens he plays in the forwards and on the wing where he scored the winning try in the Mt Club 7s final.

Teitjens is very cagey with his selections so we’re not going to know until the New Zealand team is named but Wilson’s inclusion is an interesting development.

He is a potential utility player capable of breaking tackles out wide and maybe stopping mobile big men at the same time.

Page 2 of 23«123 4 5 6 »10 20...Last »

Communicating the experience of Sevens rugby