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Argentina were table-toppers on the overall standings, but it was France who stood at the top of the podium in Madrid on Sunday. Les Bleus, who entered the tournament as the No5 seed, upset Los Pumas by a score of 19-5 to claim the Men’s title at the inaugural Grand Final event.
While the result will be a disappointment to Argentina, of greater concern is the fate of Rodrigo Isgró. One of his team’s leading men on the circuit this season, his participation at the Olympics is now in doubt after he was given a red card in the dying seconds of the final. Isgró inexplicably slammed Paulin Riva to the turf at a ruck and will now face the judiciary to see if he will play any part at all in Paris.
France were boosted by the presence of Antoine Dupont though the Toulouse superstar was not in the starting lineup for the final. Fiji claimed the Bronze with a narrow win over New Zealand, while the No2 seed Ireland settled for 5th place after defeating South Africa.
All eyes now turn to the Stade de France where the Men’s draw takes place from July 24 to 27. Argentina will be among the favorites to medal with Fiji, Ireland, and New Zealand also in the mix. Les Bleus have shortened their odds considerably after their triumph in Madrid and will now fancy their chances for gold on home soil.
CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
POOL A
Australia 5 – 38 France
Argentina 31 – 5 Great Britain
Australia 19 – 14 Great Britain
Argentina 26 – 12 France
France 17 – 12 Great Britain
Argentina 14 – 5 Australia
POOL B
New Zealand 26 – 28 Fiji
Ireland 26 – 21 South Africa
New Zealand 33 – 24 South Africa
Ireland 21 – 26 Fiji
Fiji 26 – 7 South Africa
Ireland 17 – 22 New Zealand
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Ireland 19 – 14 Great Britain
Australia 21 – 24 South AFrica
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS
Fiji 14 – 21 France
Argentina 21 – 14 New Zealand
7th PLACE FINAL
Great Britain 0 – 21 Australia
5th PLACE FINAL
Ireland 12 – 7 South Africa
BRONZE FINAL
Fiji 17 – 10 New Zealand
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
France 19 – 5 Argentina
