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Argentina came close but ultimately could not stop New Zealand from claiming their fifth World Sevens tournament win of the season in Toulouse. Los Pumas held a 19-7 halftime lead only for Roderick Solo’s second try of the day breaking the deadlock and giving the crown to the black jerseys.
New Zealand have now clinched the overall series title with Argentina virtually guaranteed of finishing in second spot. They have already booked their place at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris with Fiji also now qualified along with hosts France. Australia took a big step towards claiming the final stop though Samoa and South Africa remain in reach heading towards the final event of the season in London.
Canada meanwhile celebrated their best tournament of the season despite losing both games on Day Three by convincing margins. The fourth-place result saw them move to within one point of 13th-place Kenya on the overall rankings but it won’t be enough to avoid the relegation playoff.
Uruguay do have a chance to assure their spot among next season’s core teams if they can out-perform Spain in London. The Leones are just one competition point ahead in 11th spot after reaching the 9th place Final in Toulouse. Los Teros ended their weekend with a defeat to Fiji in the 9th place Semi Final.
It was a miserable showing from the USA, who failed to win a single match all tournament and finished in a tie for dead last with Germany. A shutout loss to Kenya brought their day to an early end. The Eagles can still rebound in London to try and restore their 8th overall position but will have to earn qualification for the Olympics through the regional qualifier to be hosted by Canada in August.
DAY THREE RESULTS
13th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Kenya 19 – 0 USA
Japan 28 – 12 Germany
9th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Samoa 5 – 28 Spain
Uruguay 15 – 31 Fiji
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Australia 21 – 19 South Africa
Ireland 22 – 0 Great Britain
CUP SEMI FINALS
Canada 5 – 33 Argentina
New Zealand 19 – 14 France
13th PLACE FINAL
Kenya 33 – 12 Japan
9th PLACE FINAL
Spain 15 – 26 Fiji
5th PLACE FINAL
Australia 26 – 21 Ireland
BRONZE FINAL
Canada 12 – 28 France
CUP FINAL
Argentina 19 – 24 New Zealand
