Last weekend England completed an impressive double, following their 15s win a few weeks ago with a comfortable triumph in the Women's European Sevens, conceeding only one try (in their quarter final with France) over the whole weekend. Only the semi-final with Spain was even slightly close (10-0), while the final was a 51-0 cake-walk over Netherlands.
Elsewhere it was less clear-cut. Surprise followed surprise with "recognised" rugby nations coming off badly. France barely scraped into next year's World Cup, following a group defeat to Russia, when they beat Wales in a winner-takes-all Plate semi-final. For Wales defeat first to Italy and then Spain was too much for a nation that has played superbly at 15s recently, and who were winners of this event only two years ago. England and France will be joined by Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Russia in Dubai - not a half-dozen that anyone would have predicted.
For FIRA - who run the tournament - the rise of the minor nations was great news. Unlike the at times rather predictable 15s events, (England aside) sevens internationals in Europe are now incredibly competitive and very unpreditcable - something that FIRA and the IRB hope will help with their bid to get Sevens included in the Olympics.
Monday, June 16, 2008
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