Pukpuks finish winless on day one

The PNG Pukpuks lost all three games on day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016-17 in Wellington.

In their second match today, the Pukpuks went down to Kenya 47-5. The Pukpuks’ only points came from William Tirang, who scored in the 7th minute of the match.

Down, but not out, the Pukpuks came back stronger in their third and last match of day one against Argentina.

Argentina struck first to take a 7-0 lead but the Pukpuks fought back and equalized through Tirang, who scored his second of the tournament. Emmanuel Guise converted to make it 7-7.

The Pukpuks then hit the lead when Arthur Clement crossed over. Guise made no mistake, adding the extras to put the Pukpuks in front by a converted try.

But Argentina equalized just before the break when German Schultz scored. The try was converted, bringing the score to 14-14 at half-time.

The Pukpuks ran out of steam in the second half as Argentina ran in five unanswered tries to win the match easily, 41-14.

In other results from today, New Zealand def. Samoa 33-7, Canada def. Wales 28-5, Scotland def. Russia 12-5, Fiji def. Japan 56-0, South Africa def. Australia 28-0, England def. Argentina 26-7, USA def. Samoa 24-12, New Zealand def. France 21-14, Canada def, Russia 29-0, Scotland def. Wales 31-7, Australia def. Japan 33-12 and South Africa def. Fiji 31-12.

The finals will start tomorrow morning.

Author: 
Troy Taule