Part-carnival and part-sporting circus, rugby sevens is a cacophony of sounds and a swirl of colours.
And that’s just in the stands, where the host Canadian team is represented in red — not always jerseys, but also fans dressed as Mounties, lumberjacks and Where’s Waldos. Throw in an astronaut or two, or 10.
If there is one sporting event impervious to success or failure of the home side, it’s rugby sevens. Everybody has a good time, regardless, which has made the annual sa国际传媒 Sevens at sa国际传媒 Place such a happening that fills the lower bowl.
But it sure doesn’t hurt if the home team has a good tournament.
The Langford-based Canadian team went 1-2 Saturday, the opening day in Vancouver. sa国际传媒 scored the first 10 points in a splendid start to the tournament only to see Australia roar back to win with 26 consecutive points.
The next game was a highly-commendable effort in a 19-14 loss to the Blitzboks of South Africa. The day was capped by a 26-21 victory over Spain.
“The boys showed so much heart out there,” said Jake Thiel, one of the few veterans on the young Canadian side.
The world No. 14 Canadians will play on the consolation side today as the Aussies and Blitzboks advanced out of the difficult pool to the championship-side quarter-finals.
sa国际传媒, looking long-term to Paris 2024 Olympic qualification, is in the midst of a major rebuild after the retirement of several foundational veterans following the quarter-final appearance in the Tokyo Olympics last summer.
The Canadian Olympians were introduced Saturday at the start of the tournament. But it’s a look behind that was mixed with the view ahead.
“It’s a massive learning curve for these young Canadian team players,” said former University of Victoria Vikes great Nathan Hirayama, now retired after carrying the flag into the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.
“But we saw the talent when these younger players would train beside us in Langford. They just need time together. They will get their shot.”
As part of the Gen Next playing in their home province this weekend at sa国际传媒 Place are emerging Victoria players Anton Ngongo, Brennig Prevost and Lachlan Kratz.
The No. 8 Canadian women, meanwhile, continue preparations to host the HSBC World Series sa国际传媒 Sevens April 30- May 1 at Starlight Stadium.
— With a file from Canadian Press
