Argentina Defeat Fiji in Punta del Este 7’s Final

Argentina have defeated Fiji in the Punta del Este 7’s Final. The come-from-behind 22-21 victory sees Argentina claiming the first of two legs of the 2017 South American 7’s. The same eight countries will compete again next weekend, this time in Viña del Mar, Chile.

Argentina’s path to the title was challenging. Los Pumas 7’s backed up their impressive opening day performances by downing Canada. The 26-5 win sent Argentina into the Semi Finals while Canada went on to play against Uruguay.

Uruguay started day 2 with a defeat. Los Cóndores 7’s overcome Los Teros 7’s 19-12. The result meant Chile would face Argentina in the Semi Finals. Argentina played an aggressive Semi Final to see off the Chileans. The 29-0 result put Argentina in the Final while Chile would go on to play in the Plate Final.

Argentina’s opponents in the final would be Fiji. The only team not from the Americas reached the final by defeating Brazil 31-0 and the USA Falcons 43-0. The Fijians then looked to be well placed to win the tournament. Early tries gave Fiji a 14-0 advantage.

A fight-back from Los Pumas 7’s made it a two point deficit. Fiji, though, would score again to go into half time leading 21-12. Needing to score eleven points and concede none, Argentina kept Fiji quiet while crossing for two second half tries. It was enough to edge out the Olympic Gold Medalists by a single point.

Prior to the final Chile overcame the USA Falcons 19-7. The result gave Los Cóndores 7’s third place in the competition. Uruguay finished fifth by defeating Colombia. The 24-5 win came despite Los Tucanes 7’s scoring the game’s opening try. The Canada Maple Leafs overcame Brazil to finish 7th. Brazil had lost to Colombia in their prior match.

FINAL POSITIONS
1 Argentina
2 Fiji
3 Chile
4 USA Falcons
5 Uruguay
6 Colombia
7 Canada Maple Leafs
8 Brazil