11 August 2019 – Malaysia fulfil the pre-tournament expectation as they win the Asia Rugby 7s Trophy. The tournament that took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, saw the repeat of 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games final as Malaysia face Singapore in the final.
Malaysia had an outstanding day 1, winning both matches against Laos. 6 tries was scored in the first match as Malaysia better Laos 36 – 0. The margin got bigger in the second match. Malaysia scored 8 tries as well as completed all 8 conversion as Malaysia dismantled Laos 56 – 0 in the second.
Malaysia booked the first spot in the final with a wonderful win over Mongolia in the first semi-final. Mongolia who played in their first Asia Rugby 7s tournament gave their best shot but Malaysia proved to be too strong as Malaysia won the semi final 26 – 0. Singapore overcame another South East Asia powerhouse, Thailand in another semi – final. A conversion was the different in that match as Singapore won 14 – 12.
The final started with Singapore firing all cylinder and scored the first try in the 1st minute of the match. Malaysia hit back with Amalul Hazim but the first half was certainly belong for Singapore as they lead 14 – 5 into the break. Malaysia improved for the second 7 minutes. They closed the gap to 10 – 14 as Zulhisham Rasli dash pass to score Malaysia second try. Malaysia got the winning try through Amalul Hazim, his 8th of the tournament, for Malaysia to beat Singapore 17 – 14 in the final.
With this win, Malaysia managed to get an immediate return to the Asia Sevens Series after they relegated at the end of 2018 season.
Saizul Hafifi’s boys is set to shift the focus as they will aim to retain the gold medal they won in 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games. The 2019 edition is set to take place in Manila by the end of this year.
Photo courtesy of Asia Rugby