Canada’s sevens teams progress to quarter-finals at HSBC SVNS Cape Town

Both Canadian sevens teams will play in the quarter-finals in Cape Town this Sunday at the second stop of the 2024 HSBC SVNS Series and the final sevens tournament of the year. Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team will play Argentina after finishing second in Pool C and Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team will play New Zealand after finishing third in Pool C.

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team opened pool play against New Zealand for the second weekend in a row, this time coming away with the win. The All Black Sevens scored in the opening minute, but it was the only try they would manage all game. David Richard and Cooper Coats combined for two tries before half-time, Coats passing to Richard for a try in the fifth minute, and Richard passing to Coats for a try two minute later. Coats converted both to give Canada a 14-7 lead at the break. Jack Carson added another score for Canada in the second half, and with New Zealand unable to crack Canada’s defence, the Canadians took the win 19-7.

In yet another re-match from Dubai, Canada then faced Samoa, claiming another big win. Coats, Carson and Matt Oworu scored in the first half (all converted by Coats) to give Canada a convincing 21-7 lead at half-time. Samoa was unable to find a way through Canada’s defence and tries from Lockie Kratz (converted by Kratz) and Kal Sager solidified a 33-7 win for Canada.

Facing Australia in the final match of pool play, the score remained at 0-0 until the sixth minute. Australia then scored four in a row to lead 26-0, with Kratz converting his own try in the final minute to get Canada on the board in a 26-7 loss.

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team opened pool play against the USA. The Americans held a 21-0 lead in the ninth minute, but Canada answered back with a try from Olivia Apps, converted by Chloe Daniels. Canada secured the bonus point with a try from Fancy Bermudez and conversion by Asia Hogan-Rochester to finish with a final score of 21-14 for the USA.

Next up was the host nation, South Africa, with Canada putting on a strong 40-0 showing thanks to tries from Krissy Scurfield, Alysha Corrigan, Charity Williams, Shalaya Valenzuela, Apps and Hogan-Rochester. Daniels went four for five on conversions, with Hogan-Rochester converting their own try.

The team’s final pool play match was against France, their third (and closest) meeting within the last week. Scoring was back and forth, with conversions being the difference maker. France got the scoring started early, but Canada responded with a try from Caroline Crossley, the conversion unsuccessful. France took a 14-5 lead before half-time, with a Carissa Norsten try in the second half converted by Hogan-Rochester closing the gap to 14-12. France was unable to convert their third try of the game in the thirteenth minute, and Canada went on the attack. Piper Logan scored out wide in extra time, but with an unsuccessful conversion, France took the 19-17 win and Canada the bonus point.

Five players hit significant scoring milestones on day one in Cape Town. Coats surpassed 200 career world series points and 300 career international points, while Richard and Kratz both reached 100 career world series points. Daniels hit 50 career world series points and Logan hit 50 career international sevens points. 

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team plays New Zealand at 12:06am PT / 3:06am ET, while Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team will play Argentina at 12:34am PT / 3:34am ET (Sunday December 10). Watch all matches live for free on RugbyPass TV.

MORE INFO 

For the most up to date information on the HSBC SVNS Series and live coverage, including details on the event format, the schedule and the latest news, visit the official website: svns.com

The HSBC SVNS Series resumes in January in Perth (January 26-28, 2024). Catch both of Canada’s teams in action on home soil at HSBC Vancouver Sevens (February 23-25, 2024) at BC Place. Buy tickets now at vansevens.com.