Tokyo 2020 - Great Britain begin rugby sevens campaign with win over Canada; defending champions Fiji beat Japan

ByHarry Latham Coyle

Published 26/07/2021 at 01:19 GMT

The Great British squads have been training together at Loughborough since the start of the year. Tries from Dan Norton (two), Ross McCann and Robbie Fergusson earned Tony Roques' side a hard-fought 24-0 victory against Canada. Defending champions Fiji had kickstarted the action at Tokyo Stadium with a tight 24-19 victory after an impressive performance in defeat from hosts Japan

Great Britain's men's sevens team began their campaign at Tokyo 2020 with a hard-fought victory over Canada.

After a first half dominated by two well-structured defensives, two tries from Dan Norton helped propel Great Britain to victory.

There were also scores for Scottish pair Ross McCann and Robbie Fergusson in a solid start for Tony Roques' side.

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The newly-formed GB Rugby Sevens have been assembled at Loughborough since the beginning of the year.

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The World Sevens Series has not taken place since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) making those with sevens contracts redundant in 2020.

Funding from the National Lottery has allowed Team GB to send a men's and women's side to Tokyo, with both possible contenders for a medal.

Britain's men won an impressive silver behind Fiji at Rio 2016, and their new-look lineup showed impressive fitness to outlast Canada in their Pool B opener.

Norton, the leading try-scorer in sevens history, provided two scores in the 24-0 win.

Earlier at Tokyo Stadium, defending champions Fiji kickstarted action with a win over Japan.

CHOFU, JAPAN - JULY 26: Dan Norton of Team Great Britain scores a try on day three of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Stadium on July 26, 2021 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

The hosts produced an impressive performance to push the vaunted Fijians all the way.

Japan were at one point 19-7 ahead of the gold medallists from five years ago after Lote Tuqiri's try.

However a brace of tries for replacement flyer Waisea Nacuqu ensured that there was to be no upset.

The four sides in Pool B are next in action this afternoon, with Great Britain meeting Japan, followed by Fiji against Canada.

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