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Josh Ball

Ireland cruised into the semi-finals of the World Rugby Sevens Qualifier at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday with a seven-try demolition of Russia.
James Topping’s side were simply too good for their opponents in a 47-0 victory, outscoring them 80-7 over the course of 28 minutes, after winning their pool F encounter 33-7 earlier in the day.
They will face Germany, who beat Uruguay 12-7 in their quarter-final on Saturday and will be favourites to come through that on top too, but they have been here before.
Last year Ireland lost to Japan in the final four, and captain William Dardis, who converted all his side’s scores, said he was expecting a big battle for a spot in the final.




“To win this tournament you have to be pretty much perfect over six games, to put in a full 14-minute performance was pretty pleasing, but it does not count for anything if we do not win [on Sunday],” Dardis said.
Despite the lessons the side learned from 2018, Dardis said it was difficult to judge whether Ireland were in a better position to handle the pressure of a semi-final.
“Last year we went in and we were very confident, and maybe we underestimated the tournament – not the teams– we underestimated the beast of the qualifier. It’s a different beast altogether,” said Dardis.
“I think some of the teams on the World Series wouldn’t survive in the qualifier it’s that tough, some of the sides are that good. I think we’re going to have to be mentally tougher in the semi-final.

For Russia’s new coach, Waisale Serevi, a tournament that began with such promise ended with a whimper. And in truth, his side were never in it.
Terry Kennedy scored the first of his two tries after just a minute before Jordan Conroy’s brace and Hugh McNulty’s effort ended the game as a contest long before Gregory O’Shea crossed twice under the posts in the final 40 seconds.
“It’s been a tough day,” Serevi said. “But it’s the only way we’ll learn, and the only way we’ll get better.”
Germany left it late in their game against South Americans Uruguay, scoring their winning try after time had expired in a game where neither side managed to score before half-time. As it was, Tim Lichtenberg’s score, which was converted by Bastian Himmer, was enough to settle matters.

Head coach Vuyolwetu Zangqa was happy with the way his side came back from being 7-5 and a man down to win at the death.
“I’m just happy that the boys showed some fight,” he said.
“We’ve spoken to the players about getting over the hurdles. It does not really matter how we’re going to win at this stage, as long as we do it. We’re on the right side of the draw, our competition is still on, and that is all that matters.
“We just want a sniff, we just want an opportunity so the boys can showcase what they can do.”
Chile set up a semi-final clash with Hong Kong after narrowly beating Tonga 15-12, in a game where their opponents were left without the injured John Tapueluelu, and Fine Inisi who was banned for three matches after a dump tackle earned him a red card in the earlier pool game against Hong Kong.
“We have tried to be consistent, but at this stage you just want to win, so whatever effort is needed, you do,” Chile captain Felipe Brangiersaid.


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Hong Kong Sevens

Hong Kong Sevens: Ireland meet Germany in World Series Qualifier semi-final after crushing Waisale Serevi’s Russia

***FOR NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY*** Coach of Russia and Fiji icon Waisale Serevi (centre) briefs the Russian team on the first day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 05APR19 R7 SCMP / Felix Wong

Russian and Irish players struggle during a game on the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Winson Wong

Harry McNulty of Ireland scores a try. Photo: Winson Wong

Hong Kong Sevens: Fiji unearth another star on unbeaten run to Cup quarter-finals

Sevuloni Mocenacagi (#1) of Fiji passes the ball to teammate Vilimoni Botitu (#7) during a game against New Zealand on the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Winson Wong

Ryan Oosthuizen (#4) of South Africa runs with the ball during a game against Scotland on the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Sam Tsang

Jerry Tuwai (#9) of Fiji runs with the ball as Joseva Ravouvou (#4) of New Zealand tackles him during a game on the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Winson Wong

Johnny Samuelu (#5) of Samoa runs with the ball as he is being tackled by South Africa during a game on the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Winson Wong

Livai Ikanikoda is thriving in the cauldron of the Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Felix Wong

We know who’s No 1 and Hong Kong Sevens just showed the world (and Singapore) why ... again

A packed South Stand at its most crazy on the second day at the Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Roy Issa

Kids holding flags of different countries taking part at the games march at the parade during the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Felix Wong

Fans attend the parade during the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Felix Wong

A performer dressed as Freddie Mercury sings during the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Benjamin Sieur

A team demonstrates during the parade the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Felix Wong

Hong Kong Sevens: USA use get-out-of-jail card to keep hopes alive after defeats by Wales and England

England’s Phil Burgess tries to fend off Madison Hughes, of the USA, during their close encounter at the Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday. Photo: Felix Wong

Matai Leuta (#4) of USA runs with the ball during a game against Wales on the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Sam Tsang

Will Muir (#11) of England is tackled by Kevon Williams (#6) of USA during a game on the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Winson Wong

Alejandro Alonso (#13) of Spain runs with the ball during a game against Wales on the second day of HK Sevens 2019 at Hong Kong Stadium. 06APR19 R7 SCMP / Sam Tsang

As it happened: Hong Kong Sevens 2019 live blog day two -- Hong Kong excellent as they reach the semi-finals of the World Series Qualifier

‘I want my ashes spread over Hong Kong Stadium’: Fiji’s Blue Wiggers fans exude passion for their favourite sevens event

Fiji superfan Epeli Buliciri enjoying another Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Nazvi Careem

Fans in Fiji watching the Hong Kong Sevens on TV.

Epeli Buliciri with Fiji coach Ben Ryan in 2018. Photo: Facebook

Nemani Loulou.

Fiji fan Epeli Buliciri on his 81st sevens tournament.

Fiji fans at Hong Kong Stadium

Sport

Hong Kong

Rugby

HK Sevens


James Topping’s Ireland outscore Russia 80-7 over pool game and quarter-final on Saturday
Germany leave it late to edge Chile in their quarter-final



James Topping’s side outscore Russia 80-7 over pool game and quarter-final on Saturday, while Germany leave it late to edge Uruguay in their quarter-final.


Hong Kong Sevens: Ireland meet Germany in World Series Qualifier semi-final after crushing Waisale Serevi’s Russia

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} James Topping’s Ireland outscore Russia 80-7 over pool game and quarter-final on Saturday Germany leave it late to edge Chile in their quarter-final

James Topping’s Ireland outscore Russia 80-7 over pool game and quarter-final on Saturday

Germany leave it late to edge Chile in their quarter-final