The top two Americas seeds at the Rugby World Cup Sevens advanced to the Quarter Finals after dominant performances in the Round of 16 on Friday. Argentina ended Canada’s hopes of reaching the final eight while the USA started their tournament in style with a big win over Wales.
Canada had nothing to show for after their match against Argentina. Two tries from Santiago Mare and an excellent individual performance from Matías Osadczuk led the way for Los Pumas, who comprehensively outplayed the North Americans. Canada will face a formidable Japan outfit in the Challenge Quarter Final while Argentina have drawn tournament favorites Fiji for their next Championship match.
The USA opted to play an inter-squad match earlier in the day to avoid coming in flat against Wales and the strategy paid off. Five unanswered tries – two from Perry Baker – were the result with an impressive 35-0 scoreline giving their fans plenty to cheer for. The Eagles will have just one game on Saturday, an evening match against England in the Championship Quarter Final.
England struggled to push through despite Samoa playing nearly half the match down a man after a second yellow to Belgium Tuatagaloa earned the former New Zealand international a red card. France produced the upset of the day with a late try from Tavite Veredamu, his second, sending Les Bleus to the Quarters. Scotland also advanced after a miracle win over Kenya, recovering from a 26-0 deficit with only four minutes to play to earn their spot.
The top seeds all impressed. New Zealand were in cruise control against a game but outclassed Russia. South Africa produced a massive performance against Ireland, scoring 45 points with a virtually second string roster due to injuries. Fiji went to halftime down 10-7 to a determined Japan side but shifted gears in the second half to come away convincing winners.
ROUND TWO RESULTS
Scotland 31 – 26 Kenya
Argentina 28 – 0 Canada
Australia 17 – 22 France
England 19 – 15 Samoa
New Zealand 29 – 5 Russia
Fiji 35 – 10 Japan
South Africa 45 – 7 Ireland
USA 35 – 0 Wales
ROUND THREE FIXTURES
BOWL QUARTER FINALS
Sat Jul 21 – 12:26 PT, 15:26 ET – Tonga vs Chile
Sat Jul 21 – 12:48 PT, 15:48 ET – Papua New Guinea vs Uruguay
Sat Jul 21 – 13:10 PT, 16:10 ET – Jamaica vs Hong Kong
Sat Jul 21 – 13:32 PT, 16:32 ET – Zimbabwe vs Uganda
CHALLENGE QUARTER FINALS
Sat Jul 21 – 14:04 PT, 17:04 ET – Kenya vs Ireland
Sat Jul 21 – 14:26 PT, 17:26 ET – Canada vs Japan
Sat Jul 21 – 14:48 PT, 17:48 ET – Australia vs Russia
Sat Jul 21 – 15:10 PT, 18:10 ET – Wales vs Samoa
CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS
Sat Jul 21 – 15:32 PT, 18:32 ET – Scotland vs South Africa
Sat Jul 21 – 15:54 PT, 18:54 ET – Argentina vs Fiji
Sat Jul 21 – 16:16 PT, 19:16 ET – France vs New Zealand
Sat Jul 21 – 16:38 PT, 19:38 ET – USA vs England