Mixed fortunes for Samoan sides on Day 1 of the Oceania Sevens

By Thomas Airey 09 November 2018, 12:00AM

After a tight 19-17 loss to Papua New Guinea, the Manu Sina 7s were totally outplayed by Australia 45-0 in their second pool game on Day 1 of the Oceania Sevens.

It was a clinical performance from Australia, who dominated the breakdown on both sides of the ball.

They simply had too much class and pace for Samoa - every time Manu Sina 7s looked to build through direct running and good offloading, their attacks would crumble.

The two losses to open Day 1 leave Samoa third in their pool ahead of their matchup with Nauru.

A third place finish will see them play either the Cook Islands or New Caledonia tomorrow, with the winner of that game going on to the playoff for 5th overall.

Meanwhile the Manu Samoa 7s poured on 107 points to 0 in their two opening pool games.

After a 43-0 win over Tuvalu, Samoa rolled Niue 64-0.

Their ruthless attack was on full display, as they capitalised on every line break – of which there were plenty.

Good skill execution and smart line-running was backed up by supreme athleticism, and the results leave the Manu Samoa 7s in a strong position ahead of their final pool game against Tonga.

That matchup will decide 1st and 2nd in Pool D, meaning the winner avoids a Championship Quarterfinal game with Australia tomorrow

By Thomas Airey 09 November 2018, 12:00AM
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