2023 World Sevens Series

[ARHS]

@Stargazer yep thanks for confirming. I was there and enjoyed the fast 4 format. The other way was not great but this is far worse in my view.
I have done a lot of event scheduling, sometimes to accommodate streaming or TV. You look at the participant and spectator experience before you decide on an option from compromised choices. Sevens thrives on support from the sidelines to boost the players. And it is a great spectator experience to see it happening for lesser teams. Having so many matches on a second pitch without the stands will disappoint many. Surely the women have earned the right to have their own events or perhaps back to back events with the men over 3 days? Squeezing both into 2 days???
I am aware that a lot of folks are questioning World rugby on the major changes this year to 7s. A few teams will miss out as will some popular hosts. What on earth are they thinking?

[Stargazer]

@ARHS I'm in favour of combined men's and women's tournaments, but to be held on 3 days. All other combined tournaments, except Dubai, are 3-day tournaments.

[Crucial]

This post is deleted!

[Bovidae]

All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens teams set to ignite in Hamilton

The All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens teams are set to entertain fans when they run out on at the HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton on Saturday 21 January.

[Crucial]

I see that Niall Williams is now Niall Guthrie.

Also see that Willison is in the Sevens team after being named in the Chiefs Manawa. Didn't realise she was doing both.

[Stargazer]

Hamilton Sevens Draw (dates/times listed in NZDT)

Saturday 21 January 2023

10.16am: All Blacks Sevens v Tonga

11.44am: Black Ferns Sevens v Papua New Guinea

2.06pm: All Blacks Sevens v Australia

3.12pm: Black Ferns Sevens v Fiji

7.35pm: All Blacks Sevens v Great Britain

8.03pm: Black Ferns Sevens v Great Britain

[Crucial]

5 BF7s squad changes from Cape Town

BFs back in (Fluhler, Hirini, Fitzpatrick, Woodman-Wickliffe) along with Saili

Out: Brazier (injured), Te Tamiki, Teneti, Ikenasio, Nuku

Pretty much a massive strengthening even though the last squad won the last round.

[Bovidae]

I took my niece along to the open skills/signing session this morning. Plenty of kids having a good time.

Brazier looked to have a calf injury.

[Crucial]

@Bovidae said in 2023 World Sevens Series:

I took my niece along to the open skills/signing session this morning. Plenty of kids having a good time.

That's great. Gotta keep riding that momentum from the RWC. Hope it carries through to Aupiki.

[Crucial]

Out: Brazier (injured), Te Tamiki, Teneti, Ikenasio, Nuku

Apart from Brazier (obv) all the others are playing this weekend at the Mount Sevens for an invitational team.

[Crucial]

Cook-Savage listed as unavailable but is also on a team sheet for the Mount 7s.
Maybe his illness just prevented pre-tournament prep?

[ARHS]

Feels like home venue for Fiji here

[Stargazer]

Great first try to Moses Leo!

5 - 0 AB7s

[Stargazer]

Two games played at the same time, not only a "problem" for the crowd at the ground. Sky also only broadcasts games from the stadium live.

[Stargazer]

HT: NZ 19 - 0 Tonga

[Stargazer]

FT: NZ 45 - 0 Tonga

It's great that non-core nations from the region are invited to compete at each tournament; it gives them the opportunity to test themselves against the best, but it results in big scores like this.

Good warm-up game for the AB7s.

[ARHS]

Looked like a huge head bump for Leo. Thought he was not going to get up. Fell over when he did. We light in forwards. Brady Rush playing there?

[Stargazer]

Loved that catch from Fluhler. Try Blyde.

5 - 0 BF7s

[Stargazer]

@ARHS said in 2023 World Sevens Series:

Looked like a huge head bump for Leo. Thought he was not going to get up. Fell over when he did. We light in forwards. Brady Rush playing there?

Brady is in the squad, yes.

[Stargazer]

Try to Stacey Waaka-Fluhler.

10 - 0 BF7s