The atmosphere in Munich was filled with excitement as Uruguay emerged victorious in the final round of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024, consolidating their position as the overall series champions and securing a coveted spot in the upcoming HSBC Sevens Play-Off in Madrid. Joining them in the prestigious tournament will be fellow qualifiers Kenya, Chile, and Germany.
Uruguay’s remarkable performance throughout the Challenger series culminated in their glorious triumph, amassing a total of 56 points and securing the top spot in the standings. The team showcased their dominance by defeating Germany with a thrilling score of 21-19 in the final match, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Hong Kong China, narrowly missing the top four, managed to secure the bronze medal.
Kenya’s fifth-place finish proved to be enough for them to claim the runner-up position in the final standings, while their South American counterparts, Chile, put up a commendable effort to secure their spot in the top two. The battle for the remaining positions in the top four was intense, with Germany, Hong Kong China, and Uganda vying for the coveted spots throughout the electrifying Challenger series.
The stage was set for an unforgettable showdown at the Dantestadion in Munich as all five teams maneuvered their way into the quarter-finals after a riveting opening day of play. The Wolfpack faced a series of challenges, including the dramatic quarter-final match against Kenya, where they were a man down for seven minutes before achieving a stunning 19-17 victory. Meanwhile, Hong Kong China and Uruguay displayed their prowess with impressive victories against Tonga and Georgia, respectively.
The semi-final matches were a sight to behold, with Uruguay triumphing over Chile in a commanding 24-0 victory, while Germany’s exhilarating showdown with Hong Kong China ended in a 14-14 tie before a last-minute triumph secured their place in the finals. The fifth-place play-off witnessed Kenya’s resounding 50-0 win against Uganda, much to the delight of their ardent supporters.
The tournament concluded with an enthralling final that saw Uruguay take an early lead against Germany, only to be met with a valiant resurgence from the German team. However, Uruguay’s unwavering determination and experience ultimately led them to emerge victorious, solidifying their status as the best sevens team at this level.
The HSBC Sevens Play-Off in Madrid promises to be an exhilarating event, featuring top-tier teams from around the world battling for glory on the prestigious stage. As the teams prepare to showcase their exceptional talent and prowess, fans eagerly await the thrilling competition that lies ahead.