Rugby World Cup Sevens Underway

(ATR) Rugby Sevens World Cup action is underway in action, with 12 matches on day one.

Samoa and Zimbabwe opened the men’s tournament Friday, with Samoa winning the match 21-14.

New Zealand beat Canada 31-12. Australia defeated Spain 21-0, and South Africa beat Russia 31-0. Kenya defeated the Philippines 45-5, Scotland won its match against Japan 19-17, France beat Tunisia 24-7, and the United States defeated Georgia 26-19. Fiji won its match against Tonga 45-9, while Wales beat Uruguay 33-5. England won its match against Portugal 21-7 and Argentina defeated Hong Kong 47-7.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said in a statement: "Rugby is breaking new frontiers around the world and Russia has dreamed for many years about welcoming the world’s greatest Rugby Sevens players to this iconic stage. This weekend that dream comes true."

"Thisgreat city and its wonderful people will be the most exceptional hosts of an event that Russians and Rugby fans alike will be proud of, and an event that will showcase our wonderful sport and its character-building values ahead of our Olympic Games return in 2016," added Lapasset.

The men’s tournament will continue Saturday with the day’s first matchup opening match between Samoa and the Philippines, followed by New Zealand and Georgia.

The women’s tournament begins Saturday with a match between New Zealand and Tunisia. Analysts say New Zealand and England enter the tournament as favorites.

The World Cup runs through Sunday, with all matches taking place at Luzhniki Stadium.

Written by Nicole Bennett.

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