Hong Kong Sevens promises a feast

Friday 16th February 2007

The Hong Kong RFU has announced the draw for the 2007 Hong Kong Sevens, pitting, amongst others, defending champions England against the hosts.

England, yet to win an IRB World Series Sevens tournament this year, have won the last four Hong Kong Sevens tournaments, and while Korea and Hong Kong ought not to provide much of a challenge, the Pool E clash with Argentina might pose some problems.

Fiji currently lie joint top in the standings with New Zealand and head pool A, which also features Scotland, Portugal and Sri Lanka, one of six Asian teams set to take part at the 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium.

As second seed, South Africa heads Pool B and face a tough group challenge from Wales, Tonga and Chinese Taipei.

Samoa, on the strength of their last six tournaments in which they have made four finals and won their first Cup title in Wellington, are third seeds and top pool C, where Canada lie in wait alongside two Asian sides in Japan and China.

George winners New Zealand top pool D and are drawn with the unpredictable Kenyans as well as two of the qualifiers from Europe's FIRA Sevens circuit, Russia and Italy.

Due to the seeding structure in Hong Kong, Pool F is traditionally one of the most competitive and this year is no different. France top the group as sixth seeds and face Australia, the ever improving Tunisians and the USA, winners of the Shield trophy at their home event in San Diego.

"The 2006/07 Series has been hugely competitive so far, best highlighted by the fact that we've had different winners at each of the first four fantastic events," said Beth Coalter, formerly organiser of the Hong Kong Sevens and now Tournament Operations Manager in charge of the IRB Sevens World Series.

"With the teams' positions so delicately poised it's even easier than normal to get excited about Hong Kong.

"The teams have always enjoyed the event in the past and with the extra points on offer I'm sure that they'll all do their best to take the strongest squads possible.

"It's all shaping up to be a fantastic event and with broadcast coverage of the series at an all time high more people than ever will be watching."

With the series race so tight - Fiji (60), New Zealand (60) and South Africa (56) are within four points of each other at the top - the 30 series points up for grabs for the Cup champion in Hong Kong could be crucial in deciding this year's overall champion.

Samoa lies in fourth place with 48 points, while four-time Hong Kong Sevens champions England are also within striking range with 36 points.

Hong Kong Sevens Pools:

Pool A: - Fiji, Scotland, Portugal, Sri Lanka
Pool B: - South Africa, Wales, Tonga, Chinese Taipei
Pool C: - Samoa, Canada, Japan, China
Pool D: - New Zealand, Kenya, Russia, Italy
Pool E: - England, Argentina, Korea, Hong Kong
Pool F: - France, Australia, Tunisia, USA

Matches to be played on the weekend of March 30, 31 and April 1.