Dubai Sevens: Five must-see matches on Day Two

Ahead of the start of Day Two at the 2019 Dubai Rugby Sevens, Paul Radley selects five must-see matches at The Sevens

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - December 05, 2019: Isaac Kaay of Canada passes the ball during the game between Samoa and Canada in the mens section of the HSBC rugby sevens series 2020. Thursday, December 5th, 2019. The Sevens, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Powered by automated translation

11.36pm, Pitch One, World Sevens Series – New Zealand v Canada

Henry Paul, the former Jebel Ali Dragons coach, has come back to the city he called home until recently, as coach of Canada sevens.

He might have tasted victory immediately on his return, had the ball bounced more kindly in Thursday’s first match. Canada ended up losing to Samoa, though, and now they face a daunting task against New Zealand – Paul’s homeland.

4.02pm, Pitch One, Women’s World Series – New Zealand v France

The final women’s series match of the day pits together one side who were typically outstanding on Day One, and another who were surprisingly so.

The fact New Zealand trounced Japan on Thursday afternoon was unsurprisingly. The manner in which the French demolished England, though, was unforeseen by many.

4.44pm, Pitch One, Gulf Under 19 final

There was a time when Dubai College used to dominate this tournament. They may be the defending champions again, but there have been four different winners of the trophy in the past four years.

The DC coach suggested in the build up to this weekend that Dubai English Speaking College might be the team to beat – and they were excellent on the opening day.

6.12pm, Pitch One, World Sevens Series – United States v Australia

Sevens has always placed a premium on speed, but it is possible this fixture will pit together the two fastest players ever in the format.

America’s Carlin Isles has a 100m sprint PB of 10.13sec, and is hoping to double up sevens and athletics at the Tokyo Olympics next year. Trae Williams recorded 10.10sec for 100m last year, and made his sevens debut for Australia on Thursday.

7.54pm, Pitch One, World Sevens Series – South Africa v England

A repeat of the Rugby World Cup final, albeit in abridged form, as the Blitzboks take on England in the final match of the night before everyone decamps to Pitch Two to watch Kylie Minogue.

Both sides faced their struggles on the opening day, before bouncing back to take wins over Kenya and Spain respectively.