Both the men’s and women’s squads for the SAR on Saturday kept their winning streak alive on day two of the Hong Kong Sevens, which also saw an end to New Zealand's campaign to win a third-straight title.

The Hong Kong China men’s squad beat Japan 43-21 in the Melrose Claymores competition.

The team’s captain, James Christie – who came up big in the second half – said team effort played a big role in their victory.

“You know it’s all about scoring tries and we all got people who could finish them off, you know, but it’s nice to come on on the end of a nice team try, and that’s what makes us good,” Christie told RTHK after the match.

He also described the atmosphere at the new stadium, which has a retractable roof, as “crazy”.

“With the roof open, it’s still as loud, so it’s pretty crazy, especially some of [the people] at the South Stand [who have been here] since 8am I think…Thank you all for coming out, means the world to us.”

Earlier, the SAR women’s squad easily saw off their Thai opponents 47-0, with the crowd “absolutely pumping from start to finish," Pete Laverick, RTHK's sports correspondent who watched the match at Kai Tak Stadium, said.

Both squads have secured a spot in the Melrose tournament’s finals which will be held on Sunday.

In the main Sevens tournament, there has been a major upset in the men's Cup quarterfinals, where France beat defending champions New Zealand by 21-14, denying the Kiwis' attempt to win a third consecutive title in Hong Kong.

France – who had trailed New Zealand by 14 points before coming from behind to take the win – will now take on Fiji, with Australia facing Argentina in the semifinals on Sunday.

And on the women's side, it will be Canada versus New Zealand, while Australia take on France in Sunday's semifinals.
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Last updated: 2024-03-29 HKT 21:06