Head Coach Michael O’Connor declared himself happy after his Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens side brushed aside the challenge of relegation-threatened Spain on Day One of the Hong Kong Sevens.
“It was a good win first up which will give the boys a lot of confidence. The game was played at a breakneck speed in front of 40,000 screaming fans which was a great experience for us.
“Ultimately, defence and composure under pressure prevailed and helped us win the game,” said O’Connor.
Despite being on the end of an encouraging start from the spirited Spanish, the Aussies eventually cruised to a 28-14 win thanks to tries from Tom Lucas, Nick Malouf, Cameron Clark and Afa Pakalani, the latter whom scored the second try of his fledgling Sevens World Series career.
Fine support play straight out of the Rugby Sevens coaching manual from Spain saw Brice Labadie cross the white line at the start of the second half before Nill Baro rounded off the scoring with the last play of the night.
Australia will have skipper Ed Jenkins available following suspension for tomorrow’s Pool B games against France and World Series leaders South Africa at the seventh leg of the 2013/14 IRB Sevens World Series.
Follow the Qantas Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams with updates on Twitter @Aussie7s
Australian Men’s Sevens results in Hong Kong, 28 March:
Australia 28-14 Spain, Pool B, 10.08pm (AEDT)
Australian Men’s Sevens fixtures in Hong Kong, 29 March:
Australia v France, Pool B, 4.02pm (AEDT)
Australia v South Africa, Pool B, 9.54pm (AEDT)
Broadcast Coverage:
Fox Sports Plus
Mar 29 1200-2245 (Red Button)
Mar 30 1300-2245 (Red Button: 1300-1850, Fox Sports 2: 1850-2300)
