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Latest News
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

“You only live once”: History maker Sharni Williams targets 15s challenge after RWC Sevens 2022 success

Williams will join up with the Wallaroos squad for Rugby World Cup 2021 having completed a unique quadruple with Australia in Cape Town.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Tue 13 September, 2022
3 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
2 min read

RWC Sevens 2022

Angelo Davids pays emotional tribute to Neil Powell

Blitzboks star says his departing coach, who presided over the most successful period in South Africa sevens history, is like a father figure to him.

RWC Sevens 2022

Tue 13 September, 2022
2 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: How an “incredible” weekend unfolded

Following the conclusion of RWC Sevens 2022 in Cape Town, we recap some of the highlights from a truly special weekend.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 12 September, 2022
5 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
9 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fiji and Australia crowned Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 champions in Cape Town

Fiji claimed their third men’s Rugby World Cup Sevens title by beating defending champions New Zealand, while Australia’s women took down New Zealand to win the title for the first time since 2009 in Cape Town.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Sun 11 September, 2022
9 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
7 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Ireland stun hosts South Africa as semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Ireland earned a superb win over the Blitzboks in the final game of an intense day of quarter-final action that also saw defending champions New Zealand remain on course to defend their title in the men’s and women’s events

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Sat 10 September, 2022
7 min read
Latest Videos
Perry Time | Episode 2
09:58 mins

Perry Time | Episode 2

Thu 15 September, 2022
09:58 mins
Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Men's Tries
04:17 mins

Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Men's Tries

Thu 15 September, 2022
04:17 mins
Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Women's Tries
03:24 mins

Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Women's Tries

Thu 15 September, 2022
03:24 mins
TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Women's
01:05 mins

TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Women's

Catch up on all the Daring Plays of the Day from the women’s competition at #RWC7s
Tue 13 September, 2022
01:05 mins
TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day: Men's Rugby World Cup 7s
01:09 mins

TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Men's

Relive all the best Daring Plays of the Day from the men's tournament at #RWC7s
Mon 12 September, 2022
01:09 mins
RWC Sevens 2022
Wednesday 07 September, 2022
3 min read

Kurt Baker hoping All Blacks Sevens can rise to the occasion in Cape Town

Baker says New Zealand know the expectation is on them to return home from Cape Town with a third Rugby World Cup Sevens title.
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As the most successful team in Rugby World Cup Sevens history and winner of the last tournament on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, it is little wonder New Zealand are amongst the favourites to lift the Melrose Cup on Sunday.

New Zealand are the only team to have won Rugby World Cup Sevens three time before – in 2001, 2013 and 2018 – and Kurt Baker, one of the players present for the latter two triumphs, is confident his side can carry the weight of expectation on their shoulders and go all the way again.

“There’s always expectation with our team, we put it on ourselves to go and win tournaments whether it’s the World Cup, the World Series or whatever,” said 33-year-old Baker,.

“So there’s no hiding from the fact that we are expected to win but we also expect ourselves to win. It is pretty exciting to have the potential to get three in a row but there’s a fair amount of water to go under the bridge before we do it.”

🏆 There's nothing bigger than playing in a #RWC7s final 🤩

Regan Ware, Akuila Rokolisoa and Dylan Collier relive the 2018 final that gave @nz_sevens their third ever title in the latest episode of 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 with @FNBSA#UnleashYourGreatness | @FNBSA pic.twitter.com/9CMuI8i2Tu

— Rugby World Cup 7s 2022 (@WorldRugby7s) September 5, 2022

Clicking at the right time

New Zealand missed the first four rounds of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions but go to Cape Town with momentum behind them.

Clark Laidlaw’s team finished the season as one of the Series’ in-form teams, adding to the silver medal they won in their first tournament back in Singapore with another runners-up finish in London before taking the Los Angeles title a fortnight ago. It was a special way for Baker to mark his 50th international tournament for New Zealand.

“It’s been difficult for everyone (due to COVID-19) but I think the fact we just couldn’t get out of New Zealand probably did mean we just couldn’t get any meaningful competition for a bit longer than other teams. Whether that’s the reason why we’ve taken a while to hit our straps I’m not sure but I suppose we left LA last week on top which is always good going into a tournament like the World Cup,” he said.

“I think we just clicked as a team, there are a lot of things we have been working on technically and I suppose our group has changed a fair bit over the last 12  months from tournament to tournament.

“There are some new young guys who are pretty exciting players who just hadn’t had opportunities, I think it just sort of came to the point where everyone had a bit more time in the saddle.

“I suppose we had our backs against the wall a bit, too, when we were down a few men early in the tournament, so we had no other choice but to put our hands up.”

Gathering pace

With a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games added in for good measure and the likes of Scott Curry returning from injury in time for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022, New Zealand will be one of the teams to beat in Cape Town.

“You look back to the 2018 team, or any successful team, and there is usually a fair bit of experience in it and to have someone like Scus - who has been one of our inspirational leaders for a period of time - is awesome for our group. But also we have some young, exciting guys as well so I think the mix is right, it is just going out there and doing it now.

“The way we see it, World Cups, Commonwealth Games and Olympics are the pinnacles. To win any of those three, we’d think of it as very special,” he added.

“Looking back, San Francisco is still one of my favourite tournaments. I don’t know whether it was because it was in America where sevens was taking off at the time and the American people really got behind it but the rugby seemed to blow their minds a bit.

“I feel like Cape Town is going to be another level on from San Francisco if the final of 2019 is anything to go by (New Zealand beat South Africa 7-5). The South African fans are pretty passionate.”

Trending News Show all
2023 Sydney Sevens - Day 1
7 min read

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Big comebacks and top tries as the HSBC Sydney Sevens returns in style

We review the opening day’s play from Australia where New Zealand, leaders in both of the Series, maintained their winning momentum.

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Fri 27 January, 2023
7 min read
Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens
6 min read

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Big names and new faces – your HSBC Sydney Sevens squads

On a weekend when Gastón Revol will equal James Rodwell's record for most HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament appearances, we take a look at the key squad news in both the men’s and women’s events.

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Thu 26 January, 2023
6 min read
Gaston Revol and Santiago Gomez Cora
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Gastón Revol constantly renewing goals as he approaches Series record

Argentina's Gastón Revol will equal James Rodwell's record for most HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament appearances when he plays in Sydney this weekend.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Wed 25 January, 2023
4 min read
HSBC Sydney Sevens
2 min read

Rugby sevens

HSBC Sydney Sevens ready for action

The world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge provided the backdrop as captains of the 28 men’s and women’s teams gathered ahead of the HSBC Sydney Sevens which kicks off on Friday, 27 January.

Rugby sevens

Wed 25 January, 2023
2 min read
HSBC New Zealand Sevens 2020 - Men's
3 min read

World Rugby Sevens Series

Kenya legend Collins Injera calls time on illustrious playing career

The second highest try scorer in HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series history said that “after 17 years of literal blood, sweat and tears, it’s time to step away”.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 24 January, 2023
3 min read
HSBC New Zealand Sevens - Day 2
3 min read

World Rugby Sevens Series

Argentina, New Zealand and USA the big winners on road to Paris 2024

Following a pulsating HSBC New Zealand Sevens, we take a look at what the results mean for the standings and the race for Olympic qualification.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Mon 23 January, 2023
3 min read
HSBC New Zealand Sevens 2023 winners
6 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Argentina and New Zealand the winners in Hamilton

A dramatic day two of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series action ends a breathless weekend.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sun 22 January, 2023
6 min read
HSBC Hamilton Sevens
6 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

A cracking day one of sevens in Hamilton

Teams hit top form in first run out of 2023 to set up an excellent Sunday in New Zealand.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sat 21 January, 2023
6 min read
HSBC Cape Town Sevens
3 min read

World Rugby Sevens Series

Marcus Tupuola having fun on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

On the eve of the HSBC New Zealand Sevens, we caught up with the USA player to discuss the mentality shift behind his stunning start to the 2023 Series.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Fri 20 January, 2023
3 min read
Singapore Sevens
8 min read

HSBC New Zealand Sevens

Tuwai returns to boost Fiji at HSBC New Zealand Sevens

Star-studded squads, blended with experience and youth, have been named for this weekend’s HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton.

HSBC New Zealand Sevens

Thu 19 January, 2023
8 min read
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