It has been a strange and glorious day in many ways at the opening round of the Singapore Sevens.
Australia, Fiji and New Zealand have all progressed to the second day undefeated as Aussie star Henry Hutchison ran in his 50th career try in the team’s final score of the day – not bad for a 20-year-old who is only in his second season on the circuit.
The day’s success has come at a price, however, with Australian linchpins Ed Jenkins and James Stannard ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Jenkins has a dislocated shoulder while Stannard has a facial injury to his nose.
Team gutted to lose @chuckystannard and @edjenkins86 today to injury. Both warriors who will be missed. Young's guns...up you step...
— Andy Friend (@andyfriend2011) April 15, 2017
On a brighter note, Australia's young guns performed well, continuing their collective good form from Hong Kong and reinforcing Andy Friend’s rebuilding strategy.
South Africa began the day as expected dominating Japan on the field and on the scoreboard.
But the Blitzboks were then given a fright as France challenged them to the final siren. The three-point victory in favour of South Africa was perhaps more reflective of France’s form given it had defeated England in the opening Pool B game.
Subsequently, it was a surprise to all when Japan defeated France to eliminate it from quarter-final contention for the first time in six tournaments.
England finished off the Pool B shake-up with an epic battle against South Africa which resulted in a five point win giving the Vancouver champions top spot in the pool and relegating the Blitzboks to second place.
In other results, Canada had another good run with two wins from three; Scotland continue to baffle as it ended the day without a victory and the 16th team Hong Kong defeated Russia.
Your Cup quarter-finalists to play at the #SGRugby7s in Singapore on Sunday ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/BlVSr1ts4x
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 15, 2017
The Aussies will face South Africa in the second cup quarter-final on Sunday at 2.52pm AEST
See how Australia's day one played out here.
Day Two LIVE on FOX SPORTS Ch506 from 12.50pm - 4.00pm AEST ; 4.25pm-7.55pm & 8.35pm-11.00pm AEST
