Cape Town 7s: Aussies to face New Zealand in Cup quarters

Sat, Dec 8, 2018, 3:54 PM
Sarah Friend
by Sarah Friend
The Australian Mens Sevens have topped Pool D on day one of the Cape Town Sevens in South Africa. Victory over Wales, Canada and Scotland on the opening day ensured a cup quarter-final clash with trans-tasman rivals New Zealand.

The Aussie men have made a clean sweep of their matches on day one of the Cape Town Sevens, topping their pool and setting up a quarter-final against New Zealand.

The men were dominant throughout day one of the tournament toppling Wales, Canada and Scotland to secure a Cup quarter-final berth. 

Head Coach Tim Walsh was happy with the team's start to the tournament, although wasn't getting ahead of himself following the flawless start to day one.

“Across the squad we worked hard in those games and concentrated on winning the moments we had to in order to get the results," he said.

“The hard work kicks off tomorrow in what will be a difficult quarter-final - We’ll rest, recover and make sure we’re prepared for what day two throws at us.”

Australia takes on Dubai champions New Zealand in their quarter-final at 9:04pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS 506.

Here's how day one unfolded.

2:54am – Australia 26 – Scotland 14

Australia have booked a spot in the Cup quarter finals with a convincing win over Scotland 26-14.

This was the clash of the two undefeated Pool D sides, but it was Australia who drew first blood, speedster Maurice Longbottom crossed within the first minute of play.

A quick steal from Scotland led to the Aussies second five pointer, Jesse Parahi put Australia in command, Longbottom created magic once more to score the third try of the first term.

Shortly after his first try Parahi was binned for a high tackle.

Scotland took full advantage of the extra man and Robbie Fergusson found the line right on the stroke of half-time to narrow the margin.

A lovely steal from Longbottom at the back of the scrum saw Porch put his name on the score sheet nab his fourth try of the tournament.

With two minutes remaining, Scotland were desperate to close the gap, a Harvey Ellis try made up 12 points for the Scots but they still trailed Australia by 12.

The Aussies kept the Scots at bay to seal their perfect day and set up a quarter-final against New Zealand at 9:04pm AEDT.

 10:58pm – Australia 29 - Canada 15

A John Porch hat-trick from John Porch helped Australia to a 29 -15 win over Canada in their second Cape Town pool match.

Lewis Holland and Porch combined to open the scoring for the Aussies, accelerating down the right-hand side of the field to open the score in the first 30 seconds of play.

Nick Malouf bagged a back to back double moments later slicing through Canadas defence to edge Australia out in front 19-0.

Porch crossed for his second try right before the half time hooter, Australia led Canada 24-nil.

There was no stopping Porch when play returned with the speedster jagging a hat-trick and putting the Aussies well on top.

Canada tried to close the gap through Justin Douglas who crossed twice late in the second, but it was to no avail.

Australia will face Scotland in their final pool clash at 2:19am AEDT.

7:37pm - Australia 21 - Wales 14

Australia have clinched a thrilling win over Wales in their opening game in Cape Town 21-14. 

The Aussies were forced to fight from the get go as Wales were the first to strike.

Taine Basham opened the scoring with the first try of the match for Wales.

A strong carry from Michael Wells set Henry Hutchison up for Australia's opening try, levelling up the scores.

Early in the second Maurice Longbottom’s boot led to the Aussies' second try allowing Lachlan Anderson to run through under the posts.

Wales didn't let up, though, as they crossed for their second, Dane Blacker locked the scores up again.

Seconds remained on the clock and both sides were desperate to score.

it was Maurice Longbottom with some fancy footwork and a quick dummy who sealed the win for Australia and set up their day.

Share
Waratahs' injury curse complicates crucial Super run
Melbourne wary of wounded Crusaders as foot injury rules out standout Rebels lock
Aussies eyeing lead in Kiwi Super Rugby clashes
Dropped before a debut: The three minutes that moulded Reds halfback Werchon