South Africa win Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens
– New Zealand clinch HSBC Sevens World Series 2012/13
– Marriott London Sevens hosts England finish third
– Glasgow silverware for USA, Australia, France
South Africa won their third Cup title of the 2012/13 HSBC Sevens World Series, beating New Zealand 28-21 to clinch the Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens at Scotstoun Stadium.
In a clear statement of intent ahead of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow next month, Paul Treu’s Springbok Sevens became the only side to win three rounds this Series. However, they could do nothing to prevent New Zealand from winning a much-deserved 11th World Series title, a feat the kiwis managed by reaching the Cup semi-finals in Glasgow.
“They were the most consistent team this year and that is why they are the overall champions, so it is well deserved to them,” Treu said of rivals New Zealand, before paying tribute to his own players.
“We arrived here without two of our playmakers (Branco du Preez and Cecil Afrika), but this just made the remaining players in the squad much more determined. We had to nurse a couple of players through this tournament, so it is very rewarding to see their hard work paying off,” he said.
After the penultimate round of the Series, New Zealand have 151 points, an unassailable lead from second-placed South Africa (122). Fiji lie third (108) ahead of Samoa (99) and Kenya (84).
GLASGOW RESULTS >> HERE
HSBC SEVENS WORLD SERIES STANDINGS >> HERE
Having lost to the eventual champions South Africa in the semi-finals, England, the hosts of next week’s final round, the Marriott London Sevens, finished strongly in Glasgow by beating Wales to third place.
“That was excellent against Wales, we worked really hard to come back there because it was a mountain to climb,” said England coach, Ben Ryan. “We had nine fit out of 12 too but I’m pleased we’ve got some momentum going into next weekend. We can get a lot better. The players have done well this weekend and we need to keep building on this.”
USA capped a fine weekend of achievement in style. Having secured their core team status on next year’s Series by outperforming Scotland, they beat first Fiji and then Argentina to win the Plate. Australia took the Bowl and France claimed the Shield.
IRB confirms dual pool draw at final round of HSBC Sevens World Series in London
– England draw Fiji, Samoa and Argentina at Marriott London Sevens
– Scotland, Portugal and Spain line up in crucial core team qualifier
The IRB has confirmed the pool draws for the Marriott London Sevens, the ninth and final round of the HSBC Sevens World Series at Twickenham on 11-12 May.
While the top 12 teams in the Series standings will contest the main Cup competition at Twickenham, eight other sides will compete in a crucial qualifier aiming to win core team status on the 2013/14 Series.
In the competition featuring the top 12, hosts England face three tough matches against Argentina, Fiji and Samoa in Pool C. South Africa drew USA, Australia and France in Pool A, while Series champions New Zealand will play Wales, Canada and Kenya in Pool B.
LONDON POOLS – SERIES COMPETITION >> HERE
LONDON FIXTURES – SERIES COMPETITION >> HERE
Having finished their home Glasgow event outside the top 12 in the Series standings, Scotland will line up in London along with Portugal and Spain needing to win back core team status next season.
Scotland face pool matches against Hong Kong, Zimbabwe and Georgia in Pool A, while Portugal and Spain line up in Pool B with Tonga and RWC Sevens hosts, Russia.
POOLS & FIXTURES, LONDON CORE TEAM QUALIFIER >> HERE
SERIES QUALIFYING EXPLAINED >> HERE
After the penultimate round of the Series, New Zealand have 151 points, an unassailable lead from second-placed South Africa (122). Fiji lie third (108) ahead of Samoa (99) and Kenya (84).
SERIES STANDINGS >> HERE
