- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The weekend marked the start of a four-year commitment to rugby sevens in Sydney.
As a sports fan, but not necessarily a rugby man, I thought I’d experience the first day for myself. Here is my evaluation of the action.
Skill level – 9/10
The sevens format is all about ball movement, quick feet and hard working defensive structures. Yesterday did not disappoint in this department.
As a spectator at the ground, I was treated to some outstanding rugby. The Fijians are freakish with their offloads and support play, the Americans with their raw speed and agility. The differences in styles made for an interesting and entertaining day.
More sevens:
» Aussie sevens have the right Friend as coach
» New Zealand pinch Sydney Sevens
» Eight-man bungle could hurt 7s: Friend
» Sevens: All the action from Day 2
» Sevens: All the action from Day 1
» WATCH: Aussies robbed by eight-man All Blacks
Atmosphere – 7/10
Sevens encourages fun, on and off the field. The majority of the crowd got involved and came in their favourite dress-up, which included anything from giant bananas to bowling pins. It was good to see and it added another element to the day.
It felt like we were at a one-day cricket match at the SCG rather than a rugby fixture. Between games, sing-alongs were encouraged (Sweet Caroline among others). Throw in the kiss cam and a few dance contests and the crowd was kept entertained and felt part of the action.
Exhibition games – 7/10
The surprise for me came with the quality of the women’s sevens fixtures. The Aussies played the Irish in exhibition games and the quality of play was outstanding. The Aussies, consisting of former sprinters, touch footballers and mechanics, were rugged, quick and skilful and were a delight to watch throughout the day.
Overall experience – 7/10
The day started early and finished late. Australia’s last pool game wasn’t scheduled until 9:30pm and towards the end of the day the buzz died off. I ended up leaving the ground at 6:30pm, along with many others.
Perhaps some just couldn’t handle drinking mid-strength beer and eating meat pies and chips any longer. Perhaps a shortening of the day could be an option. All in all, it was an entertaining day and I can see why the hype is so huge around this format of the game.
Once the global audience of the Rio Olympics feasts their eyes on it, who knows how big a part of rugby the sevens can be.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.