While most attention has been hurled at Series leaders South Africa, New Zealand and Fiji and early predictions have the three favourites to lift the HK trophy on Sunday, England are silently confident they can off-set this dominance.
Sportsone had the opportunity to speak with Dan Norton, Captain Tom Mitchell, Dan Bibby and few other England 7s squad members last night.
Beaming with confidence, Captain Mitchell said,while the trail to triumph would be tough, as it has always been in HK, they stand an equal chance of victory at So Kon Po.
The 26 year old Norton, who was last season’s top try (52) and top points (264) scorer, an all time England record, seemed highly optimistic and believes a few improvements can see them end the 7 year drought at Happy Valley.
“After the win against New Zealand for 3rd place in Tokyo, the lads are oozing with confidence and thats a good sign. The morale is very high in camp,” he said.
England have been champions in Hong Kong 4 times – completing their treble from 2002 – 2004 and winning again in 2006. In the victory of the 2006 final they narrowly overcame Pacific Islanders Fiji 26 – 24.
They made it to the 2011 final as well, however, lost to the Kiwis 17-29.
When revealed England might take on Fiji in the semis barring any upsets, Norton laughed it off.
“Okay …okay”.
England are pooled with Canada, Argentina and Portugal. They battle Argentina in their first game at 20.42 HK time on Friday in their quest for HK supremacy.
