Japan, New Zealand to play at Sevens
Japan and New Zealand will give in their best to try to relief the darkness covering their earthquake hit lands at the Sevens match at Hong Kong, while last year’s stunning performance is expected to keep Samoan team on the go for another victory.
Organizers for the event stated that Asia’s backbone Japan and Southern Hemispheres heroes New Zealand can prop up home morale after twin catastrophes during the last month.
Trevor Gregory the Rugby Football Union Chairman for Hong Kong believes that this event will bring a ray of hope among the sad citizens of both states. He said, “Of course they are extremely sad about what has happened. But they want to have a good tournament
and lift the spirits of people back home.”
Due to the earthquake in Christchurch there were a lot of questions raised and the hosting of the upcoming World Cup went to disarray. The earthquake was estimated to have taken at least 182 human lives from Christchurch and AMI Stadium was reported to be
devastated. NZRU was compelled to reschedule the fixtures that were supposed to be played in Christchurch away from the fault line cities.
On the other hand, looking at the tournament record, New Zealand is also looking forward o take revenge for the last year’s dramatic loss to the Samoan side in Hong Kong. Though, New Zealand will be playing South Korea in their first fixture from their pool.
Alongside South Korea and New Zealand, Portugal and France are also the part of same pool.
Gordon Tietjens the New Zealand's coach believes that his side has to take over from the start, otherwise its always too difficult to get stable in a tournament like this. Truley said, because previous experience has proved that getting back to the top can
be a painstaking job.
In previous tournament in 2010, Samoan side snatched the title after a thrilling affair and a three point difference in the final match of Sevens World Series, in front of a crowd of as big as 40,000.
On the contrary, the Samoan coach, Stephen Betham believes there will be much stronger pressure on his side due to the expectations from the last year's triumph. Betham said, “It brings a lot of pressure, but it's part and parcel of what we have achieved.”
Its the fifth Seven tournament and Hong Kong is the venue which will be followed by Scotland, Australia and England in the future.
Other than New Zealand, the four-time Sevens' champions England are also strong contenders for the title. Fiji is also expected to give a tough time to their opponents. Fiji has won a record twelve matches at Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the Australian coach Michael O’Connor has warned all the teams with his recent statement. He said, “We haven't come up here to sight-see or shop.” He seriously means business.
Overall, this tournament will be an interesting affair for international fans and the cause of relief will be fulfilled too.
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