On day two of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Sydney 7s, the men’s and women’s Cup semi-finalists were decided and there was drama everywhere you looked.
In both events France shocked the host nation Australia at the Cup quarter-final stage, the women winning 10-5 and then, in the last game of the day, a penalty by Thomas Carol giving them a 17-14 victory at the death in the men’s competition.
France and New Zealand will battle in the first semi-final of the men’s compeition while South Africa and Fiji are scheduled to meet in the second Cup semi-finals which will take place on day three.
Earlier, Australia, South Africa, Samoa and Fiji had made it through Pool play unbeaten in the men’s event and Hamilton winners Argentina missed out on the Cup last eight.
New Zealand and Australia won games in their women’s Pools to make it three wins from three, backing up strong showings on day one.
With France shocking Australia in the Cup last eight, the semi-final line up on day three will see them taking on USA and Ireland facing New Zealand.
Saturday 28 January
CUP QUARTER FINALS (Timings in EAT)
Samoa 0-12 New Zealand
South Africa 26-12 Ireland
Fiji 26-14 Great Britain
Australia 14-17 France
Sunday 29 January morning EAT
9TH PLACE QUARTER FINAL
USA vs Uruguay : 01:54
Kenya 7s vs Spain : 02:16
Tonga vs Canada : 02:38
Argentina vs Japan : 03:00
13TH PLACE SEMI FINAL
Loser M29 vs Loser M32 : 05:00
9TH PLACE SEMI FINAL
Winner M29 sv Winner M32 : 05:22
Winner M30 vs Winner M31 : 05:44
5TH PLACE SEMI FINAL
Samoa vs Australia: 06:06
Ireland vs Great Britain : 06:28
13TH PLACE SEMI FINAL
Loser M30 vs Loser M31 : 06:50
CUP SEMI FINALS
New Zealand vs France: 08:06
South Africa vs Fiji : 08:28
13TH PLACE PLAY-OFF
Winner M33 vs Winner M38 : 09:44
9TH PLACE PLAY-OFF
Winner M34 vs Winner M35: 10:06
5TH PLACE PLAY-OFF
Winner M36 sv Winner M37 : 10:28
BRONZE FINAL
Loser M39 vs Loser M40: 11:29
CUP FINAL
Winner M39 vs Winner M40 : 12:26
