Portugal Star, England Hit Blacklash
Portugal tunred out to be the big suprise on day one of the George Sevens. Wins against Kenya, Samoa and Wales ensured that they topped their group and go through to the quarter finals where they will play Argentina. New Zealand gained a degree of revenge against England who beat them in last week's semi final. Their 19 - 7 win in George, two tries from Tim Mikkelson, ensured a quarter final against USA. England meanwhile now have a tough quarter final against South Africa who last week beat England in the Dubai final. The fourth quarter final is Fiji against Samoa. Greg Barden felt that the team didn't take all their opportunities in the match against New Zealand and is aware that they wil need to bring their best game to the tournament to progress past South Africa. As hosts South Africa, and their coach Paul Treu, will be desparate to reach and win the final. It is a leg of the iRB World Sevens Series that they have never won. Nor have their ever won back to back events during a World Series campaign, so history is against them. Navy Rugby wishes Greg and the England team the very best. Image is David Mateus of Portugal, courtesy of iRB.com. Full details of day one in George can be found at: http://www.irb.com/irbsevens/