{"id":15944,"date":"2018-07-23T16:32:39","date_gmt":"2018-07-23T21:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=15944"},"modified":"2018-07-23T19:42:18","modified_gmt":"2018-07-24T00:42:18","slug":"rugby-world-cup-sevens-2018-new-zealand-beat-england-in-final","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=15944","title":{"rendered":"Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018: New Zealand beat England in final"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\"\"New Zealand became the first men’s side to win consecutive Rugby World Cup Sevens titles as they beat England 33-12 in the final on Sunday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The All Blacks took a 14-0 lead in San Francisco as Sione Molia scored two tries, both converted by Kurt Baker.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Michael Ellery converted try halved the deficit at half-time, before a Joseva Ravouvou score took it to 19-7.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ruaridh McConnochie hit back for England before Akuila Rokolisoa and Trael Joass secured victory.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scotland claimed seventh place overall after Jamie Farndale scored two late tries in a 29-24 win over against France, while Ireland secured a 24-14 win over Australia in the Challenge Cup final to finish ninth.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wales had to settle for their lowest place finish since 2001, coming 11th following a 35-12 win over Canada.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"This year’s tournament saw the traditional round-robin stage scrapped in favour of a single-elimination knockout from the opening round of matches.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Australia were a notable first-round casualty in the men’s draw while\u00a0England’s women fell at by Ireland.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback from fans about the drama of knockout,” said World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper, as 102,000 fans attended the event over the three days of competition.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“It makes each game exciting. It can be brutal for teams, but sport’s brutal.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

England head coach Simon Amor said he was “pleased” with how his players adapted to the new structure, but captain Tom Mitchell claims he is “not totally sold on the new format”.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“There are pros and cons to it but it’s up to World Rugby to keep mixing things up and keep improving the game,” said Mitchell.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite retaining the title in the men’s and women’s tournament, New Zealand coach Clark Laidlaw also remains unconvinced.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"“As a spectacle I’m sure everyone enjoyed it, but when you’ve got coaches and players’ livelihoods at stake, and the format isn’t quite what we’re paid to do, it’s an interesting question,” said Laidlaw.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Samoa player banned after tunnel fracas at sevens World Cup in US<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

World Rugby has confirmed that a Samoa player has been suspended after a tunnel fracas during the sevens World Cup in San Francisco on Saturday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wales\u2019s Tom Williams was\u00a0replaced in their squad on Sunday after sustaining injuries allegedly following an incident with Samoa\u2019s Gordon Langkilde. Langkilde was suspended for the final day of the tournament, according to the Evening Standard<\/a>, which said that police are investigating.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Williams is reported to have been injured after Wales\u2019s 24-19 extra-time win against Samoa. World Rugby confirmed that a Samoan player had been suspended and that US authorities were pursuing the matter.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can confirm a Samoa player has been provisionally suspended following an initial investigation into an alleged incident in the tunnel area,\u201d the statement read. \u201cThe alleged behaviour is not aligned with the sport\u2019s values and the excellent spirit in which this competition has been played.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Meanwhile the England head coach, Simon Amor, was positive about his squad\u2019s sevens campaign despite defeat in the World Cup final. Amor\u2019s side\u2019s hopes of achieving sevens World Cup glory for the first time since 1993 were dashed by New Zealand.<\/strong><\/p>\n

England, inaugural sevens world champions 25 years ago, reached the final at AT&T Park by beating Samoa, the USA and South Africa. But against New Zealand they lost 33-12 despite tries from Mike Ellery and Ruaridh McConnochie.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThis marks the end of a very long year but I am really pleased with the way that we\u2019ve grown as a programme and how the players have grown as well,\u201d Amor said. \u201cSince the Commonwealth Games we have won medals at every tournament bar one. And alongside that we\u2019ve got some really exciting young talent coming into the squad, so that is really encouraging.<\/strong><\/p>\n