adminback home. We had a slow start, but it was a good effort.
“We have to set our standard today and continue playing tomorrow which is the real day.” Kenya scored 45 points in their victory against the Philippines, Felix Ayange and Humphrey Kayange both scoring twice after Jacques Leitao made his mark in the history books by scoring the opening try of the tournament for Zimbabwe, although his side went on to lose.
Defending Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Wales got off to a winning start in their title defence as all the top seeds got off to winning starts at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Chris Knight scored twice in Wales’ victory as Paul John’s side beat Uruguay 33-5, while two-time champions Fiji, a team that Wales play on day two, beat Tunisia 45-0.
Despite several non-core sides from the Sevens World Series impressing on day one of the 2013 edition of the RWC Sevens, there were no upsets at the home of the 1980 Olympic Games.
For hosts Russia it was not the dream start they had hoped for as they suffered a 31-0 defeat at the hands of Paul Treu’s South Africa with Seabelo Senatla scoring a brace having just joined up with the squad having competed at the IRB Junior World Championship in France where he scored seven tries.
HSBC Sevens World Series champions New Zealand proved too strong for Canada, winning 31-12, while USA beat Georgia 26-19 in Pool D.
England, who won the tournament in 1997, beat Portugal 21-7 with John Brake scoring twice and Argentina beat Hong Kong 47-7 as Francisco Merello scored two tries.
In the matches after the opening ceremony of the tournament which saw the official RWC Sevens song performed, Australia beat Spain 21-0 thanks to tries from Lewis Holland, Matt Lucas and Bernard Foley.
France were too strong for Tunisia, winning 24-5 and Scotland beat Japan 19-17 in an enthralling end to the day in the final match.
Quotes
Russian President Vladimir Putin: “This spectacular, fascinating sport appeared in Russia more than 100 years ago. It is pleasing to note that there is a new page in the history of Rugby and it is coming back into the programme of the Olympic Games. I am sure that holding RWC Sevens will become an excellent boost for Rugby in Russia and attract talented young people to the sport.”
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset: “Rugby is breaking new frontiers around the world and Russia has dreamed for many years about welcoming the world’s greatest Rugby Sevens players to this iconic stage.
“This weekend that dream comes true. This great city and its wonderful people will be the most exceptional hosts of an event that Russians and Rugby fans alike will be proud of and an event that will showcase our wonderful sport and its character-building values ahead of our Olympic Games return in 2016.
“Our thanks go to the Rugby Union of Russia and the City of Moscow for their vision, dedication and hard work. I would like to wish all the teams the very best. And to everyone here and around the world, enjoy the skills of these magnificent athletes, enjoy the festival.”
Paul John, Wales coach: “It is a one-off tournament but the thing is with the pool, every little thing matters because you aren’t guaranteed to go through if you finish top two. If a decision goes against you, or miss a conversion, points difference is huge. That is the nature of a 24-team tournament.” — IRB.
Online Reporter