TARANAKI KIDS UPSET WORLD CHAMPIONS SAMOA
Rugby Sevens, November 13: Olex Taranaki Academy has caused the first upset of the Hyperion Gold Coast International Sevens, beating the Samoan Barbarians 26-21 at Albert Park, Surfers Paradise today.
The Academy, made up of some of New Zealand's most promising young rugby players, opened up a 12-0 lead in a sizzling first-half blitz.
But the Samoan outfit, made up of five members of the IRB World Series winning group from last year, fought back to lead 21-19 at half-time.
In the most entertaining game of the morning the Taranaki kids, led by led by player-coach, Wellington Hurricane's All Black Scott Waldrom, stormed home to score a late converted try to run out winners 26-21.
They scored four tries to three, leaving the Samoans with the task of winning their remaining three games in Pool A, which also includes defending champions South Sea Drifters.
The Fijian boys started their defence of the Gold Coast Sevens title with a comfortable 29-0 win over the Aussie Legends, with one of Fiji's long-standing Sevens stars Nasoni Roko leading the way.
The 31-year-old scored one of five tries and kicked two conversions in an impressive opening game by the Drifters.
Results - Hyperion Gold Coast International 7's, Albert Park, Surfers Paradise, Day One: Round One:
MEN
POOL A
South Sea Drifters 29 (N Rokobiau, S Nuku, J Sovasova, W Vatuvoka, S Valeusa tries; N Rokobiau 2 con) d Aussie Legends 0
Olex Taranaki Academy 26 (B Buretl 2, W Naholo, J Ormond tries, C Rei 3 cons) d Samoa Barbarians 21 (A Faosiliva, T Afamasaga, A Tupou tries R Levas 3 cons)
POOL B
Sunnybank 26 (B Swann, P Lee, D Routledge, D Kepu tries. B Swann, P Lee, S Hunt cons) d NSW Junior Tah's 7 (B Batger try, con)
New Zealand Emerging Players 26 (J Wilson, B Heem, A Tikorirotuma, D O'Donnell tries, J Wilson, Z Lawerence, D O'Donnell con) d Lloyd McDermott 10 (C Brown, A Muihead tries)
POOL C
Queensland Reds 43 (M Felsman 3, J Butler, I Prior, D Burns, M Garland tries, M Felsman 2, I Prior, M Garland cons) d Island Breeze 7 (T Tela try, L Tabu con)
Aussie Thunderbolts 26 (G Jeloduey, E Jenkins, T Kuridrani, S Foley tries, H Angus 2, J Lance cons) d Davetalevo 7 (N Nagusa try, M Nacagulevu Con)
MMI Pacific Rebels 19 (G Ponda, T Ponda, H Liliket tries; F Matthies, T Ponda con) d Queensland Reds 12 (M King, M Felsman tries; M Felsman con)
POOL D
International Samurai 19 (S Curry, N Williams, D Smith tries; R Khan con, N Williams con) d Bombers 14 (K Nauge 2 tries 2 con)
Arabian Gulf Barbarians 31 (S Hurley, T Al Delaime, J Macdonald, J Love, K Helal tries. T Al Delaime, J Macdonald 2, J Love cons) d Southern Chiefs 0
International Samurai 35 (D Smith 2, C Bourke, J McPhee, J Tuitoga tries. N Williams 2, N Robinson, J McPhee, D Smith cons) d Australian Maori RL 17 (M Kennedy, J Rapana, K Akaoula tries, D Taumata con)
WOMEN
Pool A
Sydney University 22 (S Jean, N Takahashi, K Maree, L Burns tries, K Ducker con) d Sunnybank 5 (M Pani try)
International Samurai 31 (K Porter, C Soon, I Batisbasaga, N Beck, C Morgan tries, N Beck 2, C Morgan cons) d Southern Chiefs 7 (Nagasau try, con)
Pool B
Wests 12 (T Tupuhi, L Tualetonu tries; T Tupuhi con) d Nerang 7 (C Rowat tries; N Hake con)