2018-2019 World Sevens Series
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Douglas Langley, World Rugby Sevens Series director, said "there is a very good chance" New Zealand would host a women's sevens event running concurrently with the men's when the next four-year cycle for the World Series begins in 2020."New Zealand are interested in a combined event with 16 men's teams and 12 women's teams," Langley said. "It has to over two days, but that's aligned with some work we're doing for what the tournament format should be in the new cycle." New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Steve Tew has expressed their interest in hosting a women's event during New Zealand's leg of the series in the 2020-23 cycle, but there are some logistical hurdles to overcome. This season, Dubai and Sydney were the only cities scheduled to host men's and women's events concurrently across three days. For New Zealand to add a women's event, Douglas said it would have to be played in two days. The men's event in Hamilton is played across two days, so a women's tournament on top of that would require a revised schedule. However, Douglas said World Rugby were considering shortening the combined three-day events. "We're trying to be innovative; we're trying to look at the modern state of rugby sevens and spectators, broadcasters and partners. "[The three-day events] are very long days. We've got to ask the question: are they conducive to broadcasters, fan engagement and player welfare. "If it's a two-day event, we will look seriously at having a combined event here [in New Zealand]." Douglas said an announcement on the next format of the World Sevens Series was due in March or April. -
I haven't seen updated squad lists, but the women's tournament of the Sydney Sevens begins today. Might help me stay awake while fighting my jetlag.
Black Ferns 7s - pool games
Friday, 1 Feb
3.06pm: v PNG
5.50pm: v France
8.34pm: v EnglandLIVE on Sky Sport Pop-up 1 (channel 55)
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Second win for the BF7s against France: 31 - 7
The French looked strong in the first half, their defence was spot on, but then one of their players slapped the ball forward and was sent to the bin. The Ferns benefited from the one-player-more play and scored two tries. In the second half, the French made a lot of errors and couldn't score when Niall Williams was sent to the bin for a high tackle. The Black Ferns are very, very good in ball retention. It's amazing how they can starve the opposition of the ball. The passing is still a work-on for some players, but all seem to be very good in catching the ball, even from the bad passes, so no harm done. One more pool game to go.
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https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=1220015
All Blacks Sevens Team for Sydney 1. Scott Gregory 2. Tim Mikkelson (c) 3. Tone Ng Shiu 4. Joe Ravouvou 5. Amanaki Nicole 6. Vilimoni Koroi 7. Sam Dickson 8. Andrew Knewstubb 9. Regan Ware 10. Kurt Baker 11. Jona Nareki 12. Sione Molia (c) *Trael Joass is the travelling reserve Black Ferns Sevens Team for Sydney 1. Ruby Tui 2. Shakira Baker 3. Stacey Waaka 4. Niall Williams 5. Sarah Hirini (nee Goss) – captain 6. Michaela Blyde 7. Tyla Nathan-Wong 8. Kat Whata-Simpkins 9. Gayle Broughton 10. Theresa Fitzpatrick 11. Terina Te Tamaki 12. Alena Saili *Rhiarna Ferris is the travelling reserve -
So AB7s without Scott Curry (ankle) and Dylan Collier (hamstring), who have been replaced in the playing squad by Scott Gregory and Amanaki Nicole (Trael Joass coming in as travelling reserve instead of Gregory).
If I'm correct, we'll meet Fiji in the semis if NZ, Fiji, USA and South Africa all top their pools after day 1 and win their Cup QFs.
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Full time: 29 - 0 to the Black Ferns 7s.
Great game to watch. England's defence was good, but the Ferns were so patient and just didn't allow the English girls to get into the game. Good show of strength from players like Waaka, Baker and Fitzpatrick today, and - of course - top speed from Blyde. She's a machine! Great stepping from Broughton & Nathan-Wong would do well for the Football Ferns, too.
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Gotta love a Fijian offload -
