Tackles & Tries: Photos from the World Rugby Sevens

17 out of 45 games won (or lost) by a score of seven points or less

That underlying statistic is evidence of a lot of close games of rugby. Games where a single missed tackle or a fumbled ball going over the try line (see photo above) could have determined a team’s progress through the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series competition. It meant the prospect of taking home one of the four splendidly crafted trophies (Cup, Plate, Bowl or Shield). Or, taking an early team tour around the pitch to show appreciation to the 60,000 plus fans that turned up for the Canada Sevens over the two days at BC Place, Vancouver.

Four Finalists at the Canada Sevens

Russia (Shield), Canada (Bowl), Samoa (Plate) and New Zealand (Cup) were the four teams to pick up the prizes. The All Blacks Sevens put the most important one in their bags to go to the next stop (#7) on the competition (Hong Kong April 8-10) just two points behind the current series leaders, Fiji (106 points).

In a competition where even the final goes with a margin of seven points (the All Blacks won against South Africa 19-14), it’s critical, especially in the time after the final siren has sounded, to steal it with a try- or a try-stopping tackle.

More photos of tries and tackles from the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Here are a few more shots of tries and tackles from the Canada Sevens.

For more, please take a look at J. Ashley Nixon Photography

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