Canada cap fairytale run at Singapore 7s with maiden Cup win

SINGAPORE – On a day of upsets at the National Stadium, it was perhaps fitting that the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens witnessed a historic title win.

Taking part in only their second ever Cup final on their 140th World Rugby Sevens Series appearance, Canada capped off the memorable day by defeating the United States 26-19 to clinch their first ever Cup trophy.

It was the culmination of a stunning run that saw them beat 12-time series champions New Zealand 26-14 in the quarter-finals, before trumping England 17-5 in the semi-finals. 

That set up the first-ever all-North American final in the series against the US, who had themselves stunned Olympic gold-medallists Fiji – champions of the last two HSBC World Sevens Series – 24-19 in the quarter-finals before dispatching Australia 40-7 in the semis. 

With series leader South Africa having lost to Australia in the quarters, it meant the big guns were all out of contention and that set the stage for a thrilling final.

It was the US who blinked first as the Canadians blitzed to a 19-0 lead through tries from Matt Mullins, Harry Jones and Mike Fuailefau, with Nathan Hirayama converting two of three attempts. 

But the Americans, contesting only their third-ever Cup final, roared back to life through Stephen Tomasin’s try and another converted one from Perry Baker, reducing the gap to five points at half-time.

Speedster Baker then drew things level with his 41st try of the season at the start of the second half, but the Americans were undone in the closing stages when Lucas Hammond cut through their defence for the winning try, which was converted by Player of the Final Hirayama for a famous victory.

“I am speechless,” said a jubilant Hirayama afterward. “I am so proud of the boys.

"They have been working so hard for a long time and it feels good to put it all together. (Losing 7-35 to) Fiji (in the pool stage) was a wake-up call, it wasn’t good enough, but we just kept on rolling today.”

Canada captain John Moonlight enthused: “It’s hard to put that into words. We took a licking against Fiji yesterday, and from our coach. 

“But we showed up today, we showed the world we can beat anyone. We beat three of the best teams today. We are flying; it’s an unbelievable feeling.”

England, who have two Cup titles to their name in this series, settled for bronze with a 14-12 victory over Australia, while Wales won the Challenge Trophy by beating Scotland 24-12.

New Zealand took fifth spot with a hard-fought 17-12 win against South Africa, who remain top of the series standings.

(Photo: Takumi Photography)

In the day’s other final, St. Andrew’s Secondary beat defending champion Anglo Chinese School (Independent) 12-10 to win the Under 14 Schools 7s grand final.

The two kingpins of local schoolboy rugby had already met three times this season in the Schools 7s Series to qualify for the right to play at the National Stadium and their head-to-head record was one win, one draw and one loss.

ACS (I) beat St. Andrew’s 17-14 in the first round final, but lost the second round final 12-33. The two teams then played out to a 7-7 draw in the third round final.
 
In the Grand Final played on Sunday afternoon, Saints took the lead after three minutes through prop Javes Lim but defending champion ACS (I) came back strongly to tie it 5-5 through Kaylen Chin before the half-time break. 
 
In the second half, Saints centre Lucky Anthony broke through from inside his own 22 to score under the posts at the other end and captain Lucius Yap calmly converted for a 12-5 lead.

ACS (I) managed to score a try through Cedric Teo and make it 10-12 with under two minutes remaining, but St Andrew’s held on for the win. 
 
“It was a good pass from my teammate Ryan Diftor and once I broke clear, I just keep going for the line,” said Anthony, 14, a native of Batangas Province in the Philippines who moved to Singapore seven years ago.

“We were very calm heading into the final, our tackling was solid and we kept our structure in defence and attack.

"The atmosphere during the final was simply amazing and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in this amazing stadium. I hope I can represent Singapore one day and play in this iconic stadium again.” 
 
“It was a close final and we basically ran out of time in the end,” said ACS (I) 7s coach Kyler Wong.

“It’s not every day you get to play in a final at the National Stadium. We told the boys to enjoy the match and I’m sure this experience will help them in the future.”