Argentina emerged the best of the three Americas teams after Day One of the Hong Kong Sevens. The South Americans cruised to a 31-10 win over Wales to open the main draw of the HSBC Sevens Series event with Franco Sábato contributing two tries. The Pumas will face France next at 11:14pm Eastern time before colliding with the USA at 3:38am.
The Eagles were not at their best against France, but showed some resilience to come from behind and earn a draw. After 10 minutes France had built a 24-7 lead but Perry Baker responded with a try and then two classic finishes from Carlin Isles were just enough to leave the scores level. They will face Wales at 11:38pm Eastern before the final pool match against Argentina.
Canada did not enjoy their start to the tournament. They struggled badly against Kenya, making numerous errors and falling off tackles. The lopsided final score of 33-10 will be disheartening but there is an immediate chance for redemption against an under-strength Australia side who were defeated by Spain in the opening round.
Despite bring a second-string side New Zealand were completely dominant against Russia while Fiji also looked in fine form against Samoa. Scotland did just enough to best England in Pool C where South Africa routed invitational side South Korea.
The main draw is broadcast on the CBC Sports website in Canada, with ESPN providing coverage in the USA and South America.
DAY ONE RESULTS
POOL A
New Zealand 36 – 5 Russia
Fiji 31 – 12 Samoa
POOL B
Australia 12 – 17 Spain
Kenya 33 – 10 Canada
POOL C
England 19 – 22 Scotland
South Africa 45 – 0 South Korea
POOL D
Argentina 31 – 10 Wales
USA 24 – 24 France
DAY TWO FIXTURES
FRI, APR 6 – 23:14 ET – POOL D – Argentina vs France
FRI, APR 6 – 23:38 ET – POOL D – USA vs Wales
SAT, APR 7 – 00:00 ET – POOL C – England vs South Korea
SAT, APR 7 – 00:22 ET – POOL C – South Africa vs Scotland
SAT, APR 7 – 00:48 ET – POOL B – Australia vs Canada
SAT, APR 7 – 01:10 ET – POOL B – Kenya vs Spain
SAT, APR 7 – 01:32 ET – POOL A – New Zealand vs Samoa
SAT, APR 7 – 01:54 ET – POOL A – Fiji vs Russia
SAT, APR 7 – 03:16 ET – POOL D – Wales vs France
SAT, APR 7 – 03:38 ET – POOL D – USA vs Argentina
SAT, APR 7 – 04:00 ET – POOL C – Scotland vs South Korea
SAT, APR 7 – 04:24 ET – POOL C – South Africs vs England
SAT, APR 7 – 04:48 ET – POOL B – Spain vs Canada
SAT, APR 7 – 05:10 ET – POOL B – Kenya vs Australia
SAT, APR 7 – 05:32 ET – POOL A – Russia vs Samoa
SAT, APR 7 – 05:54 ET – POOL A – Fiji vs New Zealand