PNG Pukpuks 7s

Pukpuks sevens went down to England and South Africa but managed a win over Russia, 33 points to 7.

In match 19 of Pool C, of the New Zealand leg of the HSBC Hamilton sevens, PNG faced the aggression of the Russians.

Willie Tatut was on fire running in two tries. While Gairo Kapana celebrated with his spoils as well chipping in two tries for the Pukpuks.

Despite nursing a sore eye socket, Emmanuel Guise contributed to the Pukpuks score line with a try as well.

The PNG side was defeated all throughout the tournament against Samoa 35-7, Wales 29-7, Argentina 41-14, Kenya 47-5 and England 40-0.

PNGRFU interim chief executive officer Paul Joseph said PNGRFU didn’t have any high expectations of the team.

“Obviously we knew they were in a very tough pool and their preparation, as we all wanted, didn’t come as planned.”

Joseph highlighted that their main focus for the team and the coaching staff is to prepare for the Hong Kong 7s tournament from April 7-9, which is the qualifier for the World Series.

The two-day tournament will be from January 28-29.

In Pool B are South Africa, Fiji, Australia and Japan.  Pool C consists of New Zealand, USA, France and Samoa. Pool D features Scotland, Wales, Russia and Canada.

Assistant coach of the Pukpuks, Sailosi Druma, said the ultimate goal at the Wellington Sevens is to get the team ready for the Hong Kong fixtures later in the year where the Pukpuks are looking to qualify for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 2017-18.