England captain Tom Mitchell launches an attack against South Africa [Source: World Rugby Sevens]
England is the first men’s team which is through to the Hamilton 7s Cup semifinals even with a pool match left to play.
The James Rodwell coached side is already assured the top spot in Pool B following a tense 21-19 victory over South Africa.
HIGHLIGHTS | Five men’s teams kept a winning record on day one #DHLRugby #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/xCF2pSzUuc
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020
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Coach @Neil5Powell saying it as it is. @FNBSA @CastleFreeSA @ASICS_ZA pic.twitter.com/cUL1yongHv
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) January 25, 2020
Even if England lose to Japan and the Blitzboks beat Kenya in the final pool round, both teams finish on seven points the head-to-head rule will place England on top.
“Great endeavor. Great effort from the guys…”@Dan_Norton4 praises his team’s effort after @EnglandRugby beat the @Blitzboks 21-19 in a crucial Pool B match at the #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/FFZxZbtPcn
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020
The All Blacks Sevens, defending champions Fiji and England are the only teams with a perfect record after day one of the Hamilton 7s.
All-time top try scorer for Fiji.
Jerry always dreams big. #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/GkGamNLs7k
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020
Hear from the @AllBlacks7s‘ co-captains Tim Mikkelson and Scott Curry after they beat USA, 26-5 and went 2 from 2 on day one at the #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/zALAtBTypv
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020
France and Canada, though, are also unbeaten in Pool C after playing out a 12-12 draw in their second match, having already seen off the challenge of Spain and Ireland respectively.
The pool stage concludes on Sunday after which the four teams topping their respective pools will progress straight to the Cup semi-finals in a new competition format where only the teams that top the pools qualify for the semifinals.