Belgium and Portugal both took the field with only 10 women in their team, having lost multiple players to injury in the two previous days of play. Even in January the Spanish heat takes victims. The Belgium women showed why they are a core team, dismantling their European counterparts, who um showed spirit.
Higher up on the ladies' ladder, there were some titanic clashes, decided by only conversions. Most notably, was the US Eagles 21-19 loss to Australia in the semi final. A pulsating game that saw the Aussies just squeeze it. The Wallabies went on to beat Ireland 17-12, who were playing in their maiden final. Ireland had a great tourney and were Leinster-esc in their attack, especially in their semi against England. Its just a matter of time before they win gold somewhere.
Also, the Russians and Brazilians deserve a massive shoutout for just being so fierce and bringing so much fire to the sevens series.
Then, the men’s. Well, Wales got outclassed by Germany. And Jamaica got destroyed by basically everyone. Including Germany (40-5). Most of the Jamaican team are Brits with Jamaican heritage and didn’t know they would be playing in the World Sevens series until they got a phone call last Monday. The nation of sprinters had the power, but ended up getting out sevensed by more experience nations with some heavy score lines the result. They’ve got a lot to work on if they want to qualify for the 2022 Sevens World Cup in Cape Town.
Australia really can turn it on sometimes, destroying an exciting Argentine side in the semi final. However, they played their best game too early and ended up getting convincingly beaten by Grobbelaar and the Blitzbokke in the gold medal match. The Aussies were in the game and had the Blitzbokke with a player in the bin, but instead of using this one player advantage, they ended up knocking on the ball, which led to a Blitzbokke try and a yellow card to the Aussies for a reckless tackle. Things went from bad to worse with Longbottom himself later getting 2 minutes in the bin. Thats 34 wins in a row now for the team that trains in Stellenbosch.
Scotland also can be proud of their efforts against their oldest foe and almost managed to beat England, but just came short in a thrilling encounter. England made the 5th place play-offs as a result, but ended up coming short this time to a powerful Eagles team. The Eagles scored some incredible counter-attack tries, but still need to work on their synergy a little if they're going to get gold.
We can’t wait 68 days for the next men’s tournament, which takes place in Singapore, and 89 days for the next women’s in Canada.
