Hastings: Glasgow can be proud

Glasgow hosted its first ever HSBC Sevens World Series tournament at the weekend, with Series leaders New Zealand beating England in a gripping final.

Scotsoun Stadium, which usually hosts athletics, played host to the tournament and the combination is part of the preparation for the Commonwealth Games 2012 which will also be hosted in Glasgow, according to TV commentator Scott Hastings.

"It was yet another enthralling Cup final, this time at Scotstoun Stadium hosting its first HSBC Sevens World Series event," said the former Scotland international.

"For Glasgow, it was a step in the right direction. There has been a huge amount of effort to put the tournament on here at an athletics stadium and it resulted in a tremendous atmosphere, it looked awesome on TV and, as a stepping stone to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, the people of Glasgow can be proud of how it came across."

New Zealand's third Cup victory of the season puts them clear favourites for their 10th World Series title, and were once again led by the inspirational DJ Forbes. 

"In the final the execution of the New Zealand players and their discipline was quite outstanding led, as always, by their captain DJ Forbes," added Hastings.

"For me Forbes was the player of the tournament and marked his 50th tournament for New Zealand by scoring his 98th try which was quite exemplary leadership. Again though, Forbes was also backed up by Tim Mikkelson and Tomasi Cama.

Fitting finale

"But it was a real team effort, and you just get that feeling within the camp that Gordon Tietjens' side are such a happy bunch of players - they just seem to play with a smile on their face. Thy hunt as a pack of seven and they will fight for every inch in every tie, over the two days."

England, who lost to New Zeaand in the final, will play host to the ninth and final round of the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series and with big crowds expected at Twickenham, Hastings cannot wait for a fitting finale.

"I thought England were magnificent and Ben Ryan has got his team back to their best and they will certainly be a hard nut to crack on their own turf at Twickenham this weekend," said Hastings.

"Glasgow was another brilliant weekend of Sevens and I cannot wait to go to Twickenham, a fitting finale to come.

"I love my Sevens, I have played throughout the world, and it epitomizes everything within the game, the ability to beat a man one on one, the speed of the sport, the physicality and the fun you can have on the pitch.

"I am really looking forward to going to London with over 60,000 people on each day which shows the growth of the game and the wide mass appeal now of Sevens, this new Olympic sport, that is what really excites everybody."

Glasgow Sevens: Highlights