2018-2019 World Sevens Series
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All Blacks 7s squad for the Las Vegas Sevens this weekend:
1 Trael Joass
2 Tim Mikkelson (c)
3 Tone Ng Shiu
4 Joe Ravouvou
5 Scott Gregory
6 Vilimoni Koroi
7 Sam Dickson
8 Akuila Rokolisoa
9 Regan Ware
10 Kurt Baker
11 Jona Nareki
12 Sione Molia (c)Stephens is the travelling reserve.
All Blacks Sevens Coach Clark Laidlaw has made two injury enforced changes to the side that lifted the trophy in Sydney, with Andrew Knewstubb and Amanaki Nicole replaced by Akuila Rokolisoa and Trael Joass. “Trael and Akuila both played well at the World Cup last year but have had limited game time since. Both players are hungry and excited about getting an opportunity and we’re excited about the freshness they will bring." The team travelled to the USA earlier than usual which has had a positive impact on preparation.STAT CHAT * The All Blacks Sevens have finished second on five occasions in Las Vegas (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015), they have never won the Cup Final at the event. * The All Blacks Sevens sit first equal on the World Series points table with hosts, USA – they need to finish in the top four to automatically qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games. * The All Blacks Sevens currently lead the World Series for most tackles, with 413, 40 ahead of Fiji who sits in second. * Andrew Knewstubb is the Series leading points scorer, with 145 points, but will sit out this tournament with injury. * All Blacks Sevens co-captain Sione Molia currently leads the DHL Performance Tracker this season as the player making the most impact on the field throughout the season.Pool games in my previous post.
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NZ 33 - 19 Canada
Very average first half (HT: 14 - 12 to NZ), much better 2nd. Far more urgency and greater line-speed resulted in far better defence and more possession.
Some questionable decisions from the officials led to a Canadian try in each half.
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Good third win from the AB7s against Spain: 19 - 7 (HT: 14 - 0). When they didn't have possession, their defence was fast and sharp. Like a double concrete wall. The only Spanish try came when Ravouvou was in the bin for a deliberate knock-on. Koroi's try at the end of the first half was awesome.
They'll play the Cup QF at 2.48pm against Fiji; Fiji finished 2nd in their pool after losing 15 - 26 to Australia this morning.
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@Stargazer said in 2018-2019 World Sevens Series:
Why are they singing the USA anthem right in the middle of the tournament? Are they doing that before every US game at this tournament? Imagine the outrage if the AB7s would perform the haka before every game
Could be worse, they could be singing Waltzing Matilda.....
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Wooo! Fiji try to bully it at the end, NZ get the holding on penalty. Great comeback and staunch defence at the end. Nice jinx @Stargazer !
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