France Shock Hosts At HSBC Sydney Sevens – Semi-final Fixtures Decided

 

On day two of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Sydney, 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.

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. France, New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji are into the Cup semi-finals which take place on day three.

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.

Men's Cup Quarter Finals - The first last-eight tie was a really tight one, but in the end tries from Roderick Solo and Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, plus a conversion from the latter,  saw New Zealand past Samoa 12-0. Christie Grobbelaar (2), Shilton van Wyk and Jaiden Baron were then the try scorers as South Africa got past Ireland 26-12. Fiji then scored the same number of points as they got the better of Great Britain 26-14. Viwa Naduvalo, Josua Vakurinabili, Waisea Nacuqu and Manueli Maisamoa were the try scorers for the victors. And, to round off day two, France played very well against Australia. France took the lead in the opening period thanks to a Theo Forner try which was converted by Paulin Riva. Converted tries by Tim Clements and Josh Turner put Australia 14-7 up at half-time, but Forner’s second try converted by Stephen Parez Edo Martin in the second half made it 14-14. Thomas Carol’s penalty then won it for France 17-14.

Women's Cup Quarter Finals - After meeting in Pool play earlier in the day, the USA and Great Britain met again in the first last eight tie. And, once again it was the Americans who came out on top, Naya Tapper and Kristi Kirshe with tries in a 10-5 victory. France then put in the performance of the day to stun the crowd and get past Australia 10-5, Chloé Pelle and Carla Neisen with tries. Lucy Mulhall, Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe (2) and Eve Higgins then scored tries for Ireland as Fiji were put to the sword 26-12. Michaela Blyde, Jorja Miller (2), Stacey Fluhler and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe then went over for New Zealand who were too powerful for Japan and won 33-0. 

Semi-finals and Finals will be played on Sunday. All time is SA Time

 

Men's Cup Semi-finals:
07:06 New Zealand vs France
07:28 Blitzboks vs Fiji

Women's Cup Final
06:22 USA vs France
6:44 Ireland vs New Zealand

HSBC Sydney Sevens Finals

10:56 Women's Cup Final
11:26 Men's Cup Final