France thrashed Hong Kong Sevens for first time

France's Jonathan Laugel top center jumps for the ball agianst Hong Kong on the first day of the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament on March 31, 2023. It marks the first time that the Hong Kong Sevens have been played twice on the same series calendar, with 28 teams competing at the Hong Kong Stadium, including 12 sides in women's sevens.

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In the last game on Friday, a brace of tries from Jordan Sepho and a try from Jonathan Laugel put France firmly in charge. The hosts lacked the quality to turn the game around, despite an exceptional try from Seb Brien.

France's Paulin Riva in blue unloads the ball during a Hong Kong player tackle on the first day of the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament on March 31, 2023. PHOTO AFP Earlier in the day defending champion Australia got the job done and slowed down past Japan 26 -- 5 while another powerhouse Fiji got past Samoa 12 -- 7

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In the women's series, Hong Kong, China was crushed by New Zealand 50 - 0, followed by a 22 - 5 setback to Canada.