Aussies make strong start to Hong Kong Sevens

News - AU Rugby

Aussies make strong start to Hong Kong Sevens

AAP

April 9, 2016

© Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Australia got their Hong Kong Sevens campaign off to a flying start with a 28-0 victory over Argentina on Friday.

Andy Friend's side scored two tries in each half to seal the win which in a match that was also notable for skipper Ed Jenkins scoring the 100th try of his Sevens World Series career - just the second Australian to do so after Peter Miller.

After a tight first five minutes with both teams exchanging penalties, it was Cameron Clark who expertly found John Porch on the left to open the scoring.

Jenkins added the second when he powered over to give the Australians a 14-point lead at the break.

Fine individual efforts from Lewis Holland and Allan Fa'alava'au sealed the win against a side that reached the Cup Final in Cape Town last December.

Wallabies outside back Nick Cummins almost marked his return to the Sevens arena with a try late on while Frank Winterstein made his World Series debut in the second half.

"It was a good win that was built on defence against a tough side," Friend said.

"We knew if we fought hard and put them under pressure then we would force mistakes and that's how it worked out.

"Lewis Holland was once again excellent. He asks questions of each defence he comes up against and defences are finding it hard to come up with the answers.

In the other Pool C game, the United States saw off a plucky Portugal team 21-5.

Australia plays its remaining Pool C games at Hong Kong Stadium against Portugal and the USA on Saturday, with the top two teams in the group qualifying for Sunday's Cup quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, New Zealand were forced to come from 17 points down to defeat France in their tournament opener.

The All Blacks Sevens prevailed 19-17, helped by a double to captain Tim Mikkelson after France had dominated the first spell.

Series leaders Fiji had similar difficulties to New Zealand, needing two late tries to overhaul Canada by the same 19-17 scoreline.

South Africa, second in the standings between Fiji and New Zealand heading into the seventh round of the world series, were upset 21-14 by England.

Other day one winners were Kenya, Scotland, Wales and the United States.

© AAP

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Aussies make strong start to Hong Kong Sevens