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Malaysia’s 7s rugby team on track for Asia Sevens survival after Plate final triumph | Scoop
Nik Safuan Ismade. — Malaysia Rugby Facebook pic, September 24, 2024
Sports

Malaysia’s 7s rugby team on track for Asia Sevens survival after Plate final triumph

Nik Safuan’s men secure fifth place in Hangzhou, eyeing strong finish in Bangkok to avoid relegation

Main Author Image
Adam Zamri
Updated
12:42 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — The national 7s rugby squad can breathe a sigh of relief, as they are on course to remain in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series next season after delivering a more convincing performance in Hangzhou, China, last weekend.

In the first leg, held in Incheon on September 7, the Bunga Raya squad finished sixth overall. However, Nik Safuan Ismade Nik Man’s men bounced back in the second leg in Hangzhou, winning the Plate final by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and finishing fifth overall.

Malaysia currently sits fifth in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series standings, with nine points—well clear of relegation. With only one leg remaining in Bangkok on November 9, the bottom-ranked team will drop to the Sevens Trophy next season. Singapore, with just two points, is in danger of relegation.

The top two teams will qualify for the World Challenger Series, with Hong Kong leading the standings at 24 points, while China and Japan are tied at 18 points in a close race for second place.

“To be honest, I’m somewhat relieved by what my players have shown, even though we had limited time to prepare.

“In the first leg, I fielded almost 70% new faces, but in Hangzhou, I brought only three new players, while the rest were experienced players, along with some tactical changes.

“So, I don’t want to take any risks in the final leg in Bangkok because I want to maintain this position. If there’s an opportunity to advance as one of the top four teams, we will try, but everything depends on the group stage draw,” said Nik Safuan when contacted by Scoop.

Bangkok holds special significance for the squad, as they won bronze there by defeating the UAE in a past third/fourth place playoff. Nik Safuan aims to use the next four weeks to further strengthen the team before the final leg.

“I’m awaiting a medical report on my player, Azwan Zuwairi, as he had previously sustained an injury. However, I have been informed that he is almost fully recovered, so if he is fit to play, I definitely want him to join us in Bangkok.

“For us to reach the top four, I expect the draw will play a significant role. If we are drawn against South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore, I’m confident we have a chance,” he added. — September 24, 2024

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