Hong Kong, 30 March 2008: The 2008 Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens ended on a high note at the fully-packed Hong Kong Stadium this evening. New Zealand showed their dominance in Sevens rugby, beating Fiji in the Cup semi final 34 : 0 before their meeting with South Africa in a re-match of the final of the IRB Sevens World Series tournament in San Diego.
The Cup tie saw IRB Sevens World Series table leaders New Zealand beat second placed series team South Africa 26 : 12 in the final to win their first Hong Kong Sevens title since 2001.
Despite South Africa being the reigning Rugby World Cup (15-a-side) champions, the SevensBoks are considered freshmen to the Cup final battlefield in Hong Kong (their last Cup final appearance being the 1997 Rugby Sevens World Cup held in Hong Kong).
Spirited New Zealand showed exceptional teamwork and pace in the Cup final, scoring three tries in the first half to enter the break with a 21:7 lead. The All Blacks extended their lead to 26:7 by scoring another try after the break which created a gap that South Africa was unable to bridge, and they eventually fell to the New Zealand juggernaut 26:12.
Captain DJ Forbes received the Hong Kong Sevens cup from Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government, to officially end the teamˇ¦s six-year drought of Hong Kong Sevens titles. This is New Zealandˇ¦s record fifth straight title in the current season of the IRB Sevens World Series.
France upset Argentina 17:14 in the Plate. After being tied at 14:14, the two teams entered the extra time session, the only one in this yearˇ¦s tournament, with France converting an early penalty attempt in extra time to win the Plate.
Zimbabwe, who returned to Hong Kong for the first time after ten years in 2008, reached the Bowl Final against Russia. They opened an early 7:0 lead and led 14:7 in the first half. But the Russians fought back hard in the second half to come from behind for a 19:14 win and successfully defend their Hong Kong Sevensˇ¦ Bowl title.
The attendance over the three days of the event was 108,240.
About Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2008
Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2008 was successfully held in the Hong Kong Stadium on 28-30 March 2008. For more details, please visit official website http://www.hksevens.com.
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Click here to download Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2008 Event Schedule and results
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