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It was third place for the Men’s Eagles in London after falling to eventual champions Fiji in a tense Semi Final. The result means that Fiji moved ahead of the USA on the overall season standings but with just two points separating the side, the 2018-19 HSBC Sevens Series title is up for grabs in Paris next weekend.
The Eagles were too strong for Canada in their first match of the day, with Perry Baker stretching his legs for two tries. It was a late try from Josua Vakurunabili that sealed the Semi victory for Fiji after a Kevon Williams score had brought the USA to within two points.
In the Bronze Final it was all USA as they ran up a 24-0 score before conceding two second half tries to France. Folau Niua scored in the first minute with Danny Barrett rumbling over for two tries. It wasn’t quite the medal they wanted but the points keep them in the hunt for the title.
Canada had little to show for as their Day Two came to an abrupt end in the 5th Place Semi Final. After earning a spot in the Cup draw on Day One, they were beaten convincingly by the Eagles and then even more so by invitational side Ireland. To add injury to insult, Connor Braid sat on the sidelines with his arm in a sling and now looks certain to miss out on Paris.
Argentina began their day on a high as a hat trick from Luciano González Rizzoni gave them a dominant win over Spain. As did Canada, however, the Pumas flopped in their second match with only a single score from Fernando Luna against Samoa. The loss earned them an early trip to the showers.
In other action despite a disappointing finish, South Africa have clinched the fourth and final automatic qualification spot for the 2020 Olympics after England crashed out against Japan to finish in 14th place. Fiji secured the Cup victory all too easily, crushing Australia by 43-7 in a one-sided final.
DAY TWO RESULTS
TROPHY QUARTER FINALS
Argentina 28 – 19 Spain
England 19 – 24 Samoa
Wales 17 – 0 Japan
Kenya 21 – 29 Scotland
CUP QUARTER FINALS
South Africa 22 – 29 Australia
New Zealand 14 – 19 France
USA 29 – 14 Canada
Fiji 33 – 24 Ireland
13th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Spain 21 – 40 England
Japan 26 – 17 Kenya
TROPHY SEMI FINALS
Argentina 5 – 14 Samoa
Wales 7 – 33 Scotland
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
South Africa 17 – 21 New Zealand
Canada 14 – 33 Ireland
CUP SEMI FINALS
Australia 31 – 24 France
USA 10 – 17 Fiji
13th PLACE FINAL
England 14 – 29 Japan
TROPHY FINAL
Samoa 26 – 17 Scotland
5th PLACE FINAL
New Zealand 35 – 14 Ireland
BRONZE FINAL
France 14 – 31 USA
CUP FINAL
Australia 7 – 43 Fiji
