Commonwealth Sevens Kicks Off

02/08/2002 The Sevens competition at this year’s Commonwealth Games kicks off today with host nation England taking on Cook Islands while favourites New Zealand face Canada

New Zealand, the defending champions will be raging hot favourites to win the title with a side that will be led by Sevens specialist Eric Rush. Scotland – their side includes LIon Simon Taylor – and the Pacific Island of Nuie complete Group A.

England are drawn in the ‘other’ half and therefore there is the mouth-watering prospect of a final clash with the Kiwis. The English squad includes captain Phil Greening (London Wasps), Geoff Appleford (London Irish), Henry Paul (Gloucester), Josh Lewsey (London Wasps) and Rob Thirlby (Bath).

Pool A: New Zealand, Scotland, Canada, Niue.

Pool B: South Africa, Wales, Tonga, Sri Lanka.

Pool C: England, Samoa, Cook Islands, Kenya.

Pool D: Fiji, Australia, Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago.