Tonga and Sāmoa get their Sevens Rugby campaign underway

Tonga and Sāmoa opened their HSBC SVNS 3 campaigns in Dubai, with the Manu Sāmoa starting strongly and Tonga showing encouraging signs.

The event is a key stop on the World Series, with the top two men’s and women’s teams advancing to the next stage, inching one step closer to a Sevens World Championship spot, with the final set for June.

Manu Sāmoa made a positive start, defeating Colombia 26-7 in a physical opening match.

Sāmoa dominated early, capitalising on Colombia’s defensive lapses by scoring three unanswered tries between Uaina Tui, Owen Niue, and Taualai Panoa.

Colombia stayed relentless and patient in attack, and their persistence paid off when Arley Urrutia charged through several Manu defenders, laying the foundation for Diver Ceballo’s first try.

In a second-half arm-wrestle, Sāmoa struggled to break the line, keeping possession through several phases before Niue dotted down again for the match’s final try.

Jersey presentation for the Manusina team. Photo/Facebook

Despite a 33-14 loss to Hong Kong China, Ikale Tahi displayed an exciting performance they will look to build on throughout the remainder of the competition.

Down by two tries in the first half, Tonga struck back through Lolesio Sailosi. Disrupting the line of Hong Kong China to intercept the pass and score from their 22.

Added time saw Tonga gain a second, through a well-worked team effort, identifying space out wide before offloading back into the middle of the field, sending Lemisio Moala under the sticks.

Meanwhile, it was a tough first assignment for Manusina as Argentina trounced them 45-0.

Patches of physicality showcased Manusina’s grit to stay in the fight, but the Argentinians were quick to shut down any signs of attacking flow, ultimately outplaying them on all fronts.

It didn’t fall Manusina's way in their second match either as Colombia ran in a 21-14 win to keep their finals hopes alive.

The Manusina will face Poland Sunday morning, kick off at 1.32am (NZT), followed by Argentina and Colombia at 1.54am (NZT).

Tonga will face Colombia, followed by Manu Sāmoa and Hong Kong China. For more information on fixtures and results, click here.