Rugby teams’ dream of double success shattered at SEA 7s

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s hopes of taking a double victory at the Southeast Asia 7s (SEA 7s) were dashed after both the men’s and women’s teams fell short in the final at the National Stadium in Singapore yesterday.

The men’s team, who entered the tournament as defending champions, fell to Thailand 10-5 in the final, but head coach Nik Safuan Nik Ismade Nik Man knows his team did all that they could.

“I accept the defeat, considering the team’s situation in terms of their match fitness,” he said.

“The team only had 19 training sessions during the month of Ramadan, compared to the Thai team, who have been preparing since 2023 without interruption.

“However, I see this as a good starting point for the team to prepare for the SEA Games later this year.’’

Malaysia had scored a try through Mohd Safiy Md Said, but Thailand did better by scoring two tries.

Meanwhile, in the women’s final, Malaysia settled for silver after being beaten by hosts Singapore 12-5.

It was the team’s first final appearance after six editions of the tournament after they upset defending champions Thailand 17-12 in the semi-finals.

Head coach Mohd Faiz Samsukhidir said Singapore were the better team, and although he accepted the defeat, praised his players for bouncing back after a slow start.

“Overall, the players did not show their true potential as they were under pressure since the first group stage match.

“They bounced back from that pressure in the following matches.

“But in the final, Singapore’s fitness was more prominent, and we had to accept the defeat.

“There is still much to improve for the future,” he said.