As another memorable Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens came to a close, we sat down with two men who saw every moment of the action, World Rugby commentators Willie Los’e and Ollie Phillips, to get their take on things.
Los’e, who has attended the tournament for more than 20 years, thinks it's more exciting now than ever before.
“We keep asking whether it can get better and it continues to do exactly that. I thought the qualifiers were tremendous. It's great to see Spain back in there but Germany, Chile and PNG really put some pressure on them. And as for the series, you couldn’t have asked for a better final and for a better way to end the tournament.”
Former England captain Phillips thinks the depth of South Africa helped them get to the final on Sunday.
“I think the work rate of Werner Kok is extraordinary; I think the man is unfathomable and relentless in his appetite. The fact that they are missing (Rosko) Specman and (Seabelo) Senatla – it’s amazing the depth that South Africa have. And then you have Fiji; they are a different beast in Hong Kong and they just come alive. The likes of Jerry Tuwai pulling the strings, they are a pleasure to watch when they play such brilliant rugby.”
Spare a thought, however, for the USA who finished the tournament in fourth place. Mike Friday’s men were unlucky to miss out on a final after bringing South Africa to extra-time in the semi-final, with Ruhan Nel scoring the winner (pictured above) to put the Americans into the bronze medal match.
“They’ll be absolutely devastated to lose to a golden point in extra-time to South Africa,” said Phillips. “But I think it’s a credit to the work they’ve put in. Perry Baker is absolutely extraordinary – his pace is frightening. Another learning curve for the USA and they will only get better.”
USA claimed a major scalp as they beat England in the quarter-final, with England dropping down to third place in the series standings. Phillips thinks the series title might now be out of their grasp.
“England needed a big weekend out here in Hong Kong if they were to put pressure on South Africa and Fiji at the top of the table and have a sniff of the series. I think that’s now gone for them but they need to really get it back together for Singapore next weekend.”
Los’e thinks that while New Zealand finished down the standings in Hong Kong, there were some positives for the All Black Sevens.
“Yes, New Zealand didn’t deliver but they have unearthed a real talent in Joe Ravouvou and that’s something they missed; a person on the outside with speed but he’s also a big unit and will take some stopping. It’s going to take time but they’ve got some good players there – I think DJ Forbes is playing the best sevens of his life – and they’ll be a real threat for the last three tournaments of the season.
So, with all 16 teams safely arrived in Singapore as they get set for the eighth round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, who does Los’e think will claim the top prize?
“I think Australia will push everyone in Singapore – they are the dark horses. But I’d also have to say South Africa.”
The action kicks off on Saturday at the National Stadium in Singapore. Click here to find out where you can watch all the action.
