Fiji, New Zealand and USA lead the way in Sydney

Fiji, USA and New Zealand, the top three teams in the current HSBC World Rugby Men’s Sevens Series standings, all remained unbeaten at the HSBC Sydney Sevens to qualify for the quarter-finals. 

In Pool A Fiji, winners last week in Hamilton, continued its winning ways beating Japan, England and Samoa. England pushed Fiji all the way in its narrow 7-14 loss and deservedly joined them in the quarter-finals after two wins.

Pool D was a cliff-hanger with last year’s HSBC Sydney Sevens winners Australia, Argentina and current series champions South Africa all finishing on seven points after two wins each. Quarter-final places came down to points differential. With Australia beating South Africa in the best and last match of the pool 29-21 they pipped Argentina on points difference to take second spot behind South Africa.

New Zealand cruised though unbeaten to top Pool C beating Wales, Scotland and Spain, who claimed second spot and a quarter-final place. 

In Pool B USA only edged France 7-0 first up in pool action before convincing wins against Kenya and Canada later in the day. USA finished top of the pool and France second.

In the HSBC Women’s Sydney Sevens New Zealand’s Black Ferns were given a scare in the women’s Cup quarter-finals by Canada. They prevailed 17-7 in a very physical encounter in which the Canadians had plenty of chances to cause an upset. It was equally tough when USA edged Russia in the second quarter-final 7-5.

On the other side of the draw Ireland overcame Spain 22-7 to reach their first ever series semi-final while hosts and defending champions Australia won through 21-17 against France.

New Zealand will play USA in the Cup semi-finals on Sunday while Australia will play Ireland. In the women’s Challenge Trophy Fiji beat England 15-12.

Day three will see the finals of both the men’s and women’s HSBC Sydney Sevens. Action commences at 08:50 local time (GMT +11) in the women’s competition when Canada play Russia in the 5th place semi-final.