Hakas All Around: New Zealand Sweeps Rugby 7s World Cup

It was Hakas all around as New Zealand pulled a double-double at the World Cup 7s tournament in San Francisco this weekend. The men’s team took down England, 33 – 12, for their 3rd championship & it was the 2nd time for the women’s team who beat France, 29 – 0.

The U.S. men’s team beat Wales, 35 – 0, but were knocked out against England in the Championship Quarter Finals, 19 – 24. They went on to take out Scotland but lost to Argentina for a 6th place finish.

The U.S. women’s team ended up in 4th place after a loss to Australia. Earlier in the tournament they beat China, 38 – 7, and Russia, 33 – 17, (TAKE THAT!), but lost 26 – 21 in the Champ Semi Finals to New Zealand. The final minute of that game ended with an exciting try for the U.S., who left their hearts on the field while I screamed patriotic sounding things at Chaps & our producer, Bren.

To say this is a sport I can see growing quickly is an understatement… and for my short attention span it’s perfect.

Fourteen minute games of continuous play (+ very short halftime), and 7 players for each team on a regular sized rugby pitch (70x100M) where 15 usually play for each side… That means more break-aways & speed, bigger hits, & higher scores. Having now been at the collegiate 7s champs & World Cup I can say the crowds eat it up. Tournament weekends have a party atmosphere & there wasn’t a single moment where I wasn’t glued to the action & pace of the games (minus repeatedly dipping out for overpriced carafes of frozen rose wine).

Shout out to the U.S. teams who gave it their all, congrats to New Zealand as they bring home both trophies, and a small middle finger to the Swedish group who trolled me.