Samoa rejoice after Paris win

Samoa came back from a 26-7 half-time deficit to score 22 unanswered points and steal an improbable victory over heavy favorites Fiji to take the title at the Paris 7s. It’s the first HSBC Sevens Series Cup win for the island nation since Dubai in 2012, and a monumental achievement on two fronts. First that are yet to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and second that they had been beaten by Fiji 42-5 in pool play the day before.

The Samoans had earlier upset South Africa in the quarter final before edging Argentina in the Cup semi. A late try from Belgium Tu’atagaloa evened the scores and Tila Mealoi’s conversion sent them into the final. Argentina would eventually fall to a determined France in the Bronze final, but not before themselves creating an upset in the quarter final with another incredible win over New Zealand.

Down 17-5 with only a few minutes to play, first Juan Pablo Estellés and then Rodrigo Etchart scored tries, with Javier Rojas converting each to earn the 19-17 result to send them into the Cup semi. Their strong tournament performance sees them rise above the USA to 5th place on the overall Series standings.

The Eagles meanwhile had a disappointing showing, just creeping past Portugal in the Bowl quarter final before losing to Scotland 14-12 in the Bowl semi. Madison Hughes was unable to convert Zack Test’s last second try to force extra time, and Mike Friday’s charges will have a long week ahead in preparation to defend their title in London, where they were victorious a year ago.

Canada’s misery continues. After going 0-3 in the pool stages, they were embarrassed by Russia to the tune of 33-0 and lost once again to rivals Wales 17-12 to end in the Shield semis. With only one tournament left to salvage anything before the final Olympic qualifier in Monaco, the outlook is grim for Canadian fans.

Finishing in the same spot was Brazil, though their expectations were significantly lower and the team showed improvement over the course of the three days. Tries to Gustavo Albuquerque and Stefano Giantorno against Scotland would lift their spirits, though the 24-5 loss to Portugal was a letdown.

The Series now moves to its conclusion in London next weekend, with Fiji now all but certain to lift the overall crown having opened up a 14 point gap between their closest competitors South Africa. At the other end of the spectrum Portugal will have to make up six points to jump ahead of Russia and avoid being dropped from core status for the 2016/17 HSBC Sevens Series.

DAY THREE RESULTS

BOWL QUARTER FINALS
Russia 33 – 0 Canada
England 17 – 12 Wales
USA 19 – 17 Portugal
Scotland 38 – 14 Brazil

CUP QUARTER FINALS
New Zealand 17 – 19 Argentina
South Africa 10 – 21 Samoa
France 24 – 5 Kenya
Fiji 17 – 15 Australia

SHIELD SEMI FINALS
Canada 12 – 17 Wales
Portugal 24 – 5 Brazil

BOWL SEMI FINALS
Russia 7 – 19 England
USA 12 – 14 Scotland

PLATE SEMI FINALS
England 19 – 29 South Africa
Kenya 7 – 26 Australia

CUP SEMI FINALS
Argentina 12 – 14 Samoa
France 5 – 22 Fiji

SHIELD FINAL
Wales 19 – 24 Portugal

BOWL FINAL
England 10 – 28 Scotland

PLATE FINAL
South Africa 17 – 7 Australia

BRONZE FINAL
Argentina 17 – 26 France

CUP FINAL
Samoa 29 – 26 Fiji