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It will be an all-Americas affair in the 5th Place Final of the Rugby World Cup Sevens after hosts USA and Argentina each won their first matches on Day Three in San Francisco. Meanwhile the Championship Final will see England and New Zealand facing off with the Melrose Cup on the line after the top two seeds South Africa and Fiji were both knocked out in the Semi Finals.
The Eagles coasted to a 28-0 win over Scotland in their 5th Place Semi. Maka Unufe, Madison Hughes, Brett Thompson, and Carlin Isles each found the line with Hughes converting all four.
Los Pumas blew through France with similar ease. Matías Osadczuk, Lautaro Bazán Vélez, Franco Sábato, and Santiago Álvarez were the try-scorers. Two late tries from Stephen Parez made the score more palatable for the French after trailing 19-0 at halftime.
Canada’s struggles continued against Australia. John Porch scored 14 points including two tries to lead the Australians to a comfortable win. Canada were in the game at halftime but fell off in the second period, captain Harry Jones coming off injured to compound frustrations.
In the Championship Semis both top seeds were handed decisive losses. England routed South Africa by 29-7 and never once looked threatened. Tournament favorites Fiji led by two at the break but flopped in the second half as Joe Ravouvou’s second try finished off the result, a late score from Alosio Naduva too little, too late.
Canada will play Wales for 11th Place overall at 3:46pm local, 6:46pm Eastern. The USA and Argentina will do battle at 5:02pm local, 8:24pm Eastern. England and New Zealand will bring the weekend to a close as they play for gold at 5:53pm local, 8:53pm Eastern.
RESULTS
13th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Kenya 17 – 19 Samoa
Japan 20 – 26 Russia
CHALLENGE SEMI FINALS
Canada 7 – 19 Australia
Ireland 17 – 12 Wales
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Scotland 0 – 28 USA
Argentina 26 – 15 France
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS
South Africa 7 – 29 England
Fiji 17 – 22 New Zealand
FIXTURES
July 22 – 15:02 PT, 18:02 ET – 15th PLACE FINAL – Kenya vs Japan
July 22 – 15:24 PT, 18:24 ET – 13th PLACE FINAL – Samoa vs Russia
July 22 – 15:46 PT, 18:46 ET – 11th PLACE FINAL – Canada vs Wales
July 22 – 16:08 PT, 19:08 ET – CHALLENGE FINAL – Australia vs Ireland
July 22 – 16:40 PT, 19:40 ET – 7th PLACE FINAL – Scotland vs France
July 22 – 17:02 PT, 20:02 ET – 5th PLACE FINAL – USA vs Argentina
July 22 – 17:24 PT, 20:24 ET – BRONZE FINAL – South Africa vs Fiji
July 22 – 17:53 PT, 20:53 ET – CUP FINAL – England vs New Zealand
