Palais back themselves for Hong Kong 7s

By HUXLEY LOVAI
The Papua New Guinea Palais rugby 7s side have not had the most encouraging run of form heading into this weekend’s Hong Kong 7s, but that is all behind them now as the team begin today their toughest challenge yet.
The Hong Kong Women’s 7s will serve not only as a qualifier for the 2018–19 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, but for seeding purposes for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens for five of the teams, including the Palais.
The tournament will played at So Kon Po Rec Ground and the Hong Kong Stadium today and tomorrow alongside the men’s competition.
Palais coach John Larry said the side’s discipline and composure under pressure would decide whether the Palais progressed in the competition.
“In some games, we are ending matches with six, or five, players because they are being sent off for high or dangerous tackles,” Larry said.
“Our line speed and reloads have to be good.
“Other than that, our girls are capable of competing.”
The return of Joanne Lagona and fellow experienced campaigners Cassandra Samson and Helen Abau, along with Brisbane-based players Gemma Schnaubelt and Yolanda Griffin, will boost the team.
The Palais are in Pool X with South Africa, Kenya and Mexico.
Match schedule: Thurs, April 5 – Kenya v PNG (10.30am), South Africa v PNG (1.26pm), PNG v Mexico (3.38pm).