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History was made in Canada on Sunday; Argentina won the Vancouver Sevens for the first time. In a spectacular performance, Los Pumas 7’s stormed past Fiji to win the final 29-10. Tries to Santiago Vera Feld and doubles to Marcos Moneta and Felipe del Mestre took Argentina to 7’s Glory in Vancouver.
Argentina’s tournament opened on Saturday against France. Los Pumas 7’s competed to a 12-12 draw against the Europeans. What followed was an undefeated streak which culminated in the series victory against Fiji.
Los Pumas 7’s found their feet against Scotland. The 24-7 win was a strong team performance wherein Marcos Moneta scored two tries and Agustín Fraga and Germán Schultz also touched down in the try zone.
Next up was Ireland. The Trébol put up a stiff contest. An early score had the Irish on top. Germán Schultz gave Los Pumas 7’s their response and tries also resulted from Marcos Moneta and Lautaro Bazán Vélez. The result put Argentina into a Cup Quarter Final against England on Sunday.
Argentina put on one of their best performances of the 2022-2023 season against England. Los Pumas 7’s were 40-17 winners. Early tries saw Luciano González and Marcos Moneta into the try zone. England hit-back, though the South Americans were able to stay sufficiently ahead and finish with a commanding victory.
The Semi Finals stage saw an all-southern battle as Argentina took-on Australia. Marcos Moneta was the hero with two first half tries. Lautaro Bazán Vélez and Rodrigo Isigró were second half try scorers. The final score of 24-12 placed Argentina in the final against Fiji.
Argentina’s victory in the final gave Los Pumas 7’s their first tournament victory since 2009. The 2022 Vancouver 7’s marks the third overall win for Argentina. Previous wins were also both in North America. Argentina won the Los Angeles 7’s in 2004 and the San Diego 7’s in 2009.
