Despite torrential downpours, the Dubai Rugby Sevens once again proved to be an enormous success. The action on the pitch was electric as was the atmosphere created by the thousands in attendance.
Having had the opportunity to reflect on the weekend, Sport360° has put together our ‘Best of the Sevens’. Until next year…
Man of the weekend – Paul Perez (Samoa)
Perez’s colourful career took a turn for the better over the weekend as he inspired Samoa to the men’s title in Dubai. The winger – who has played in New Zealand (where he was deported for assault) and South Africa and twice missed out on a Top 14 contract in France due to visa problems – finished as the elite tournament’s joint-top try-scorer with six in all.
His two scores early in the final against the All Blacks broke the backs of Gordon Tietjens’ side and paved the way for victory. Perez was run close for our accolade by New Zealand’s Kurt Baker who showed no signs of rust on his Sevens return as he too ran in six tries over the two days.
Woman of the weekend – Portia Woodman (New Zealand)
A tough decision given the confidence in their abilities the Kiwi girls exuded – especially on the second day. Kayla McAlister finished the tournament with five tries, while Tyla Nathan-Eong bagged a brace in the final and captain Huriana Manuel led the side impeccably throughout. However, for her own quintet of touchdowns, which included a wonderful solo effort in the final, Woodman just sneaks it.
Best try – Will Thomas (Wales v Samoa)
It may have come in defeat for the Welsh but Thomas had the eventual winners briefly grasping at air as he scored in their quarterfinal. The 19-year-old halfback breezed through an initial gap in the Samoan defence with his pace but still had it all to do as he faced one more defender. An outrageous side-step saw to the defender, who ended up on the floor, though and after Thomas touched, he even added the extras.
Best match – England 21-22 Portugal
England needed to win to go through to the Cup finals, but started terribly as Portugal raced into 17-7 lead. Ben Ryan’s side regrouped and led through a late Dan Norton try, only to see the winger sin-binned. The Portuguese knocked over the pen and then booted out the resulting restart only for that decision to give England a free kick.
With time well out, England turned that into a penalty but Dan Bibby spurned the chance to snatch victory with a penalty to go for a try. The fly-half then worked a two-on-one only to throw into touch.
Biggest ‘only in Dubai’ moment
There are not many things that shock you when you’re standing in a mixed zone trying to grab a few quotes. Never has an interview with a coach had to be paused for a man with a jet pack. That is exactly what happened as a few hacks tried to catch a word with Portugal boss Frederico Sousa. The gentleman in question had just touched down onto pitch 1 and was clearly looking for the quickest route home. Credit to Sousa, though, as he remained a consummate pro.
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