Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
New Zealand made it double-gold in Hong Kong as they held on to defeat Fiji the Men’s Cup Final on Sunday. It’s the third title in four events for the men in black, who now hold a commanding 21-point lead at the top of the overall table with three tournaments to play.
Argentina remain in 2nd overall and were again the top Americas side at the tournament, ultimately finishing in 5th place. New Zealand were too strong in the Quarter Finals, but Los Pumas secured a shutout win over Spain followed by narrow win over South Africa that saw Joaquín Pellandini scoring all seven points.
The USA were winless on Day Three, bowing out in the 5th-place Semi Final in a one-sided defeat to the Blitzboks. They had earlier been second best against Great Britain in the Cup Quarter Finals. An automatic place in Paris 2024 remains mathematically possible but the odds are slim with South Africa now a full 10 points ahead.
Uruguay blitzed Japan in the 9th Place Quarter Finals with Bautista Basso and Mateo Viñals scoring two tries apiece. They had little left to offer Ireland, however, who cruised to a blowout win in the 9th Place Semis. Los Teros are currently in 12th place overall but are just one point behind Spain who hold the final automatic core qualification spot for next season.
Canada managed to salvage one victory on Day Three, with a brace from Josiah Morra leading the away against Japan in the 13th-Place Semi Finals. They were earlier beaten by Ireland, however, and were disappointed to lose to invitational side Hong Kong that left the Canucks in 14th-place in the tourney and certainties to finish in the relegation playoff zone.
The Series continues in Singapore next weekend.
KNOCKOUT RESULTS
9th PLACE QUARTER FINALS
Ireland 17 – 0 Canada
Uruguay 40 – 0 Japan
Samoa 26 – 12 Kenya
Australia 22 – 5 Hong Kong
CUP QUARTER FINALS
New Zealand 24 – 10 Argentina
France 19 – 14 Spain
Fiji 10 – 7 South Africa
USA 10 – 21 Great Britain
13th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Canada 19 – 12 Japan
Kenya 10 – 19 Hong Kong
9th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Uruguay 7 – 31 Ireland
Samoa 15 – 12 Australia
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Argentina 19 – 0 Spain
South Africa 38 – 7 USA
CUP SEMI FINALS
France 7 – 12 New Zealand
Fiji 19 – 14 Great Britain
13th PLACE FINAL
Canada 7 – 17 Hong Kong
9th PLACE FINAL
Samoa 17 – 19 Ireland
5th PLACE FINAL
Argentina 7 – 5 South Africa
BRONZE FINAL
Great Britain 17 – 19 France
CUP FINAL
Fiji 17 – 24 New Zealand
