Earlier today (Monday 14 February 2011) the South African Sevens team made history when they won their first USA Sevens Cup title in Las Vegas.
It was also the first-ever Cup win under the leadership of their inspirational skipper, Kyle Brown.
Needless to say, our sister-website BlitzBokke.com had it’s ear (and all it’s online resources) to the ground from Hong Kong nogal and thoroughly covered the BlitzBokke’s epic Vegas triumph.
The draw for the 2011 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens takes place later this week and Howzit-HongKong.com will bring you the latest from The Rotunda in Central.
With the Springboks’ US win, the men in Green & Gold have signalled their intention to try and repeat the feat here in the SAR, where they have managed only one inscription on a Hong Kong trophy since 1976, a Plate victory in 2002.
More about the Hong Kong Sevens will follow in the next few weeks as we build up to the world’s finest Sevens tournament.
Catch all the details about the Springboks’ USA Sevens victory on BlitzBokke.com here
Unlike before, where the annual Chinese New Year Night Parade extended all the way to East Tsim Sha Tsui, the Parade will this time around be limited to Tsim Sha Tsui.
The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade is one of the best-loved events of the entire Chinese New Year celebrations and certainly a must-see on my family’s list.
The theme this years is World City, World Party and as always the parade features illuminated floats accompanied by spectacular international and local performing groups. In previous years some South African troupes were flown in, although I don’t remember any Saffas taking part last year.
There is always a carnival atmosphere as festive crowds line the route around Tsim Sha Tsui to watch the colourful parade pass by, but if you don’t want to be in those throngs, you can always purchase a ticket that will guarantee you a great vantage point from a raised platform.
Tickets will go on sale from Saturday 22 January at HK$350/ $300/ $220/ $180 per person. These are for spectator stands with seating at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Canton Road, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road.
The Night Parade is truly an international event in that it doesn’t only include Chinese culture and performers. My favourite international act is, of course, the cheerleaders from the good ol’ US of A!
Here is your invitation to this year’s Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade:
This is what happened at the Night Parade last year:
Despite all the international acts, the Chinese cultural acts are THE draw-card for the crowds!
After a rather dismal start to their IRB Sevens World Series title defence this season, The South African Sevens side started off their USA Sevens campaign with a much better performance overall. The American gambling capital of Las Vegas is currently hosting first-ever Sevens Rugby tournament. (Pictured in Vegas: Frankie Horne)
Day 1 of the USA Sevens started in the wee hours Sunday February 14 (03:00) where the BlitzBokke were pitted against (second on the IRB log) Fiji, hosts the USA and their northern neighbors Cananda.
The South Africans finished in second place of Pool B by beating Canada (33-0) and the USA (33-12). They went on to lose a closely-fought match against against Fiji (5-12).
With an hour and a half to go to the start of the knock-out rounds of the USA Sevens, South Africa is set to play New Zealand in the Cup Quarter-finals.
The USA Sevens knock-out rounds starts with the Quarter-finals at around 03:00 on Monday morning (Hong Kong time).
Follow all the action on our sister-website, BlitzBokke.com
