IRELAND FAILED TO qualify for the World Rugby Sevens Series earlier today following a disappointing 12-7 defeat to Japan in Hong Kong.
Anthony Eddy’s side had stormed into the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Sevens Repechage tournament yesterday after a straightforward 38-5 victory over Zimbabwe.
That result meant they were two wins away from making the finals, however Sunday saw their winning streak come to an end at the fifth hurdle.
The side had previously toppled Uruguay before Saturday’s second successive win, but failed to reproduce the same form against Japan, conceding in injury time to bow out.
Eddy’s side will now begin preparations for July’s World Cup to be held in San Francisco.
Sevens can be so brutal.
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) April 8, 2018
14 seconds left of semi-final and Ireland's Mark Roche almost scores the winner.
TMO confirms knock-on and Japan conjure their winning try with the clock 1:21 in the red. #IreM7s pic.twitter.com/xyBzacslcC
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As a Dub we have had some serious battles over the past 5 years with mayo and I don’t like them but I have huge admiration for them and there players. 50/50 next Saturday really looking forward to it.
It was a very good game, I don’t think the conditions had too much of an effect. Mayo surprised me big time, I sincerely thought they would not be at this stage of the championship after last years heartache but they are and they seem to be getting better with every game. If they had one more forward of the calibre of Moran they’d be very hard to beat. Kerry on the other hand had to rely on their vast experience to counter-act a sub-par performance, are they as bad as they were yesterday or was it just a blip? Anyway, hopefully the replay will be as good a game, look forward as a neutral to another enthralling game.
Interesting. The Kerry full back line looked like a herd of sheep going into a field for the first time. Maybe a billy could help them out instead of Tomas’ buddy.
Agree with some of the analysis but for me Mayo pushed up and hadnt the legs to get back to defend as we will see Tyrone and Dublin will filter back. I thought Moran was outstanding for Kerry. Its 50/50 for the replay but Mayo by one for me so the Dubs can beat them in another Final pg.
@Vinny Hughes: I didn’t know the other semi final was already played!
@Vinny Hughes:
Remember the red HAND OF ULSTER Vinny .your not there to beat anyone yet ,,,!!!!!!!’