Sydney 7s

Former Wallaby suggests why Jones really attended Sydney Sevens

The legendary coach was seen speaking with fans on Day Three of the World Series leg in Sydney, as he walked along the sideline of the hallowed turf of Allianz Stadium.

Rugby Australia made the bold decision earlier this month axe coach Dave Rennie eight months out from this year’s World Cup in France, and replace him with Eddie Jones.

Jones, who coached the Wallabies to a World Cup Final in 2003, is coming off an unsuccessful campaign with England – having been sacked by the RFU following the Autumn Nations Series.

Fiji 7s claims bronze in Sydney, NZ wins title

The national side’s offload game was on show as they put on a better performance compared to the semi-final clash against South Africa.

France struck first through a Thomas Carol try to lead 5-0 after three minutes of play.

A minute later Jerry Tuwai drew a couple of defenders before releasing for Iowane Teba as Fiji answered back with an uncovered try to level the scores at 5-all.

'Under the pump' Fiji Sevens face unthinkable fate in Sydney

Having won the gold in Rio and Japan, head coach Ben Golling has a tough act to follow and a disappointing finish in Hamilton last weekend where they lost in the quarter-final to Argentina, has dropped the Islands nation down to eighth place in the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series table. Only the top four teams from the 2023 HSBC competition will gain automatic qualification for the Paris Games.

Hamilton sevens cancelled for 2021

World Rugby made the announcement due to the continued global uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

In March, World Rugby postponed all remaining tournaments in the 2020 series, while last month the opening rounds of the new series set down for Dubai and Cape Town later this year where cancelled.

New Zealand Rugby General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said it was disappointing for the teams, fans, and event partners, but a sensible decision under current circumstances.

Fiji find form to win first Sydney 7s title

Man of the match Napolioni Bolaca scored all of Fiji's points in the first half as the Fijians secured their second win against the Blitzboks in eight days.

Bolaca, who was named in the tournament 'Dream Team' alongside Waisea Nacuqu, opened the scoring in the second minute, after pouncing on a ball that ball skewed out the side of a breakdown.

South Africa struck back two minutes later after a strong run from Zain Davids set up JC Pretorius to score, with Fiji's woes compounded after Josua Vakurunabili was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle earlier in the move.

Fiji through to first cup final this season

Backed by a big crowd in the stands of the Paramatta Stadium, Fiji beat England 17-14 in the semi-final.

This will be Fiji’s first finals appearance this season and the team has so far been looking unbeatable.

Fiji thrashed Wales 55-0 before qualifying for the semi-final.

Waisea Nacuqu scored straight after the kickoff with a brilliant individual try to give Fiji a 7-0 lead.

Fiji increased their lead through Aminiasi Tuimaba for a 14-0 scoreline.

Tuimaba scored his second in the corner to give Fiji a comfortable 19-0 lead.

Fiji preparation for Hamilton 7s underway in Navua

The January tournament leaves little room for error with teams advancing directly from pool play to the semi-finals instead of the traditional quarterfinals.

Fiji have had a disappointing season so far finishing sixth in Cape Town, which leaves them languishing in 8th place overall in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings.

But coach Gareth Baber is working on returning them to the form that saw them crowned champions in 2019 when they take on Argentina, Australia and Samoa in pool play in Hamilton.

Australian Rugby to raise money for bushfire relief

In a statement, Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle announced that for each try scored by the team at the Sydney 7s this year, $500 would be donated.

There is expected to be a number of other fundraising efforts announced in the coming weeks, with Rugby Australia working with Super Rugby franchises to coordinate these efforts.