HSBC Sevens World Series: England, South African and New Zealand begin well in Hong Kong tournament

Hong Kong, the sixth stop in the HSBC Sevens World Series, got off to a bang on Friday in the first of three days of competition, with overall leaders South Africa – who have never before won the prestigious event – and defending champions New Zealand beginning their respective campaigns well.

In addition England made a winning start to their HSBC Hong Kong Sevens by defeating opening pool stage opponents Wales.

Tries by captain Tom Mitchell, Dan Bibby, Phil Burgess and James Rodwell saw England home 26-19, but they were made to work hard by a Wales team that responded with a Luke Morga…