Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Fiji have exacted their revenge with a 19-12 win over Argentina to claim the to spot in Viña del Mar in the second leg of the Sudamérica Sevens Series. After losing out to the Argentines a week ago in Punta del Este, the Fijians upped their game in Chile and had little trouble making the final, ultimately showing just enough guile to get past some of Argentina’s best young players, some of whom should become regulars on the HSBC Sevens Series in the years to come.
The bronze went to Chile, who were unlucky not to make the final after a stirring performance against Argentina that saw them lose out by only one conversion. Their fine performance has seen them qualify for the North American leg of the HSBC Series in Las Vegas and Vancouver, and also secured their spot in the core-status qualifying bracket of the Hong Kong tournament. It was Canada who would meet them in the bronze final, the inexperienced Maple Leafs side showing significant improvement in just a week’s time to jump from a 7th place finish in Punta de Este to 4th place in Viña del Mar.
Uruguay will be disappointed with their 5th place showing after being soundly beaten by the Canadians in the quarter final. They redeemed themselves by starching Brazil and gliding past Colombia to end their day but their slow start on Day 2 cost them dearly. The USA meanwhile came away with little to show from their endeavors, losing to first Chile and then Colombia to finish in 7th spot. Their only victory of the day would come in their final match, a closely-fought 14-7 win over the winless Brazil.
The HSBC Sevens Series resumes on January 28 in Wellington, New Zealand. Argentina, USA, and Canada will represent the Americas.
DAY 2 RESULTS
QUARTER FINALS
Argentina 19 – 7 Colombia
Uruguay 5 – 24 Canada
USA 10 – 26 Chile
Brazil 0 – 54 Fiji
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Colombia 26 – 15 USA
Uruguay 26 – 0 Brazil
GOLD SEMI FINALS
Argentina 19 – 17 Chile
Canada 10 – 29 Fiji
7th PLACE FINAL
USA 14 – 7 Brazil
5th PLACE FINAL
Colombia 5 – 21 Uruguay
BRONZE FINAL
Chile 26 – 14 Canada
GOLD FINAL
Argentina 12 – 19 Fiji
