Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Canada produced their best rugby of the season as they went undefeated on Day One of the Vancouver Sevens, in doing so booking their spot in the Cup Quarter Finals. Also assured of a top 8 finish are the USA, while Argentina endured a winless run to finish at the bottom of Pool A.
A 26-nil halftime lead over France in their first game showed that Canada were there to compete. Two tries from Theo Sauder in the first half kept them in touch against Fiji, and Pat Kay – celebrating his 50th World Series event – scored late to take the lead with Justin Douglas finishing off the famous result in front of the home crowd.
They would close out day with a dominant win over Wales to finish at the top of Pool B. That books them a Quarter Final place against another surprise package in Spain. The Leones edged Ireland and Kenya to finish second behind New Zealand in Pool C.
Wins over Samoa and Scotland got the tournament off to a positive start for the USA. Their third match was not so pleasant. Lachie Miller’s hat trick led Australia to a one-sided win that left the Eagles in second place in Pool D. They will play South Africa in the first Quarter Final on Day Two.
Argentina meanwhile suffered badly. They were shut out by England in their opening match and then beaten cleanly by the South Africans. A draw against invitational side Japan was the best they could muster, with an injury to playmaker Lautaro Bazán Vélez adding to their woes. The Pumas will play Scotland in the 9th place Quarter Final.
Those in Canada can watch all games on the CBC Sports website, with NBC Sports Gold broadcasting in the USA. ESPN is airing the tournament in Latin and South America.
DAY ONE RESULTS
POOL A
England 31 – 0 Argentina
South Africa 12 – 0 Japan
England 29 – 0 Japan
South Africa 17 – 5 Argentina
Argentina 14 – 14 Japan
South Africa 38 – 0 England
POOL B
France 21 – 31 Canada
Fiji 26 – 19 Wales
France 19 – 21 Wales
Fiji 21 – 26 Canada
Canada 29 – 7 Wales
Fiji 26 – 17 France
POOL C
Ireland 26 – 28 Spain
New Zealand 29 – 0 Kenya
Ireland 14 – 12 Kenya
New Zealand 31 – 0 Spain
Spain 17 – 14 Kenya
New Zealand 33 – 24 Ireland
POOL D
USA 19 – 5 Samoa
Australia 33 – 19 Scotland
USA 28 – 12 Scotland
Australia 40 – 12 Samoa
Samoa 19 – 19 Scotland
Australia 29 – 7 USA
DAY TWO AMERICAS FIXTURES
10:27 PT / 13:27 ET – 9th PLACE QF – Scotland vs Argentina
11:19 PT / 14:19 ET – CUP QF – South Africa vs USA
12:25 PT / 15:25 ET – CUP QF – Canada vs Spain
A full list of fixtures can be seen here.
