North America are guaranteed at least one medal at the Women’s 7s competition in Paris after the USA and Canada each qualified for the Semi Finals. The Eagles knocked off Great Britain in the Quarter Finals while the Maple Leafs produced a stunning upset of home favorites France on Monday.
A blowout win over Japan got things started for the USA in the pool stage, followed by a convincing effort against Brazil. France were a step ahead but the Eagles were up to the task against Great Britain. After conceding an early try they responded with three of their own, rounded out by Sam Sullivan try mid-way through the second half.
Canada held off Fiji in their tournament opener but then suffered a heavy defeat to New Zealand that also cost them star Krissy Scurfield to an internal injury. Despite the setback they rebounded to beat China and the produced an inspired effort to eliminate the previously unbeaten France. Piper Logan was the star of the Quarter Final with two outstanding breakaway tries.
Brazil will play for 9th place on Tuesday after a dramatic win over Fiji. Yasmim Soares broke free for a long-of-the-field try with time expired to secure the result. As Yaras had lost all three of their pool matches to France, the USA, and Japan.
In other action Australia and New Zealand look the class of the field after one-sided Quarter Final victories. Maddison Levi continues to dominate for the Wallaroos and has already achieved a new tournament record for tries with 11 in four games. They will take on the Canadians on Tuesday with the USA up against the Black Ferns.
A complete fixture list can be seen here.
POOL STAGE RESULTS
POOL A
Fiji 14 – 17 Canada
New Zealand 43 – 5 China
Fiji 12 – 40 China
New Zealand 33 – 7 Canada
Canada 26 – 17 China
New Zealand 38 – 7 Fiji
POOL B
Ireland 12 – 21 Great Britain
Australia 34 – 5 South Africa
Ireland 38 – 0 South Africa
Australia 36 – 5 Great Britain
Great Britain 26 – 17 South Africa
Australia 19 – 14 Ireland
POOL C
USA 36 – 7 Japan
France 26 – 0 Brazil
USA 24 – 5 Brazil
France 49 – 0 Japan
Japan 39 – 12 Brazil
France 31 – 14 USA
KNOCKOUT RESULTS
9th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Japan 15 – 12 South Africa
Fiji 22 – 28 Brazil
MEDAL QUARTER FINALS
New Zealand 55 – 5 China
Great Britain 7 – 17 USA
France 14 – 19 Canada
Australia 40 – 7 Ireland
DAY THREE FIXTURES
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
China vs Great Britain
France vs Ireland
GOLD SEMI FINALS
New Zealand vs USA
Canada vs Australia
11th PLACE FINAL
South Africa vs Fiji
9th PLACE FINAL
Japan vs Brazil