Gloomy weather can’t take shine off Hong Kong Sevens for visiting rugby fans

An amber rainstorm warning and a leaky roof failed to dampen the mood of fans as the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament kicked off its 50th anniversary edition on Friday.First-time visitors to the city’s signature annual sporting event expressed amazement at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, while a food shortage fiasco that plagued last year’s tournament appeared to have been addressed.Costumed revellers gearing up for three days of rugby could already be seen entering the South Stand – renowned for its party atmosphere – as early as 10.30am.Among early birds was Australian Tara McClintock, 25, and seven of her friends who were dressed up as “Average Joes” from the 2004 comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.“This stadium is better than anything we have in Australia,” said McClintock, who is visiting Hong Kong for the first time. “It’s better than anything I’ve ever seen.”Nearby, another group of Australians were in party mood before noon.