Aussie Sevens impress in Hong Kong as Jenkins reaches 100-try landmark
The Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens team got their campaign in Hong Kong off to the perfect start with an impressive win over Argentina tonight (Friday).
The Aussies beat the highly-rated Pumas 28-0 with two tries in each half sealing the win for Head Coach Andy Friend’s side.
The match 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 (107 tries).
After a tight first five minutes with both team’s 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 in-form playmaker Lewis Holland and the abrasive Allan Fa’alava’au sealed the win against a side that reached the Cup Final in Cape Town as recently as December.
Wallaby 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.
Head Coach Andy Friend said: “It was a good win that was built on defence against a tough side. 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.
“However, we just had a chat and it was important to stress we have done nothing yet. Portugal are one of our bogey teams and gave the USA a good run for their money tonight. It’s important to re-focus, get our mindset right and be clinical again tomorrow.”
On Jenkins’ landmark, Friend added: “It’s an impressive effort by an excellent ambassador for the game.”
In the other Pool C game tonight, 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 tomorrow, with the top two teams in the group qualifying for Sunday’s Cup Quarter-Finals.
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens result in Hong Kong, 8 April:
Australia 28-0 Argentina, Pool C
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens fixtures in Hong Kong, 9 April:
Australia v Portugal, Pool C, 3.10pm AEST
Australia v USA, Pool C, 7.10pm AEST
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