Argentina the best Americas team in Sydney pool stage

Argentina went undefeated in the pool stages of the Sydney Sevens to lead the way for the Americas heading into the Cup Finals. They’ll be joined by the USA, who defeated a below-par Canada to take their place in the Quarter Finals after dropping their opening match to hosts Australia.

The Canadians could not repeat the form that saw them make the Semi Finals in Cape Town last month. Their tournament got off to the worst possible start with a brutal beating at the hands of Scotland. An improved performance against Australia nevertheless resulted in a one-sided scoreline and the Eagles match left them without a win and stuck in the consolation bracket. Adding to their misery was the loss of Phil Berna, Lucas Hammond, and Mike Fuailefau to injury with the trio set to miss out on next week’s New Zealand tournament as well.

After the disappointing loss to Australia the USA rolled up their socks and defeated Scotland by four tries to two, Perry Baker leading the way with a brace. The World Rugby Player of the Year was in scintillating form against the Canadians, scoring four tries to give him seven in all through the first four matches. Ben Pinkelman also scored twice against Canada. The Eagles now face Fiji in the Quarter Finals.

Pumas captain Gastón Revol converted his own try to give Argentina just enough to get by Kenya in their opening match. Wales also proved difficult with two tries from Franco Sábato critical to the one-score win. The same margin of victory came against France and it was Sábato again the hero with another double. Argentina square off against England in their Quarter Final match.

Elsewhere defending HSBC Sevens Series champions South Africa were in top form as they coasted through Pool C undefeated, conceding only 12 points in their three fixtures. New Zealand and Fiji both impressed in Pool A with the Fijians edging a 19-17 result to top the pool.

Canadian viewers can watch a live stream on the CBC Sports website with ESPN 3 broadcasting the men’s tournament for the USA. Those outside the Americas can watch the live stream provided by World Rugby.

 

POOL STAGE RESULTS

POOL A
Fiji 31 – 5 Samoa
New Zealand 61 – 0 Russia
Fiji 24 – 0 Russia
New Zealand 31 – 0 Samoa
Samoa 26 – 12 Russia
New Zealand 17 – 19 Fiji

POOL B
France 31 – 12 Wales
Argentina 7 – 5 Kenya
France 14 – 17 Kenya
Argentina 28 – 21 Wales
Wales 12 – 26 Kenya
Argentina 19 – 12 France

POOL C
England 22 – 10 Spain
South Africa 50 – 0 Papua New Guinea
England 35 – 5 Papua New Guinea
South Africa 38 – 0 Spain
Spain 17 – 21 Papua New Guinea
South Africa 33 – 12 England

POOL D
USA 19 – 26 Australia
Canada 5 – 52 Scotland
USA 26 – 12 Scotland
Canada 5 – 27 Australia
Australia 24 – 21 Scotland
Canada 19 – 40 USA

 

SATURDAY FIXTURES

18:00 ET – TROPHY QF – Samoa vs Canada
18:22 ET – TROPHY QF – Papua New Guinea vs Wales
18:44 ET – TROPHY QF – Scotland vs Russia
19:06 ET – TROPHY QF – France vs Spain

19:28 ET – CUP QF – Fiji vs USA
19:50 ET – CUP QF – South Africa vs Kenya
20:12 ET – CUP QF – Australia vs New Zealand
20:34 ET – CUP QF – Argentina vs England