The second day of the last act of the SVNS 2024 took place today, the Sevens rugby world tour which sees the eight best teams in the world at the start. It is the first year where the last act of the tournament is a real 8-a-side final. And today the group stage matches ended and the semi-finalists in both the men’s and women’s tournaments were decided.
In the men’s pool A we start with Australia’s victory over Great Britain 19-14 and Australians clinging to the hope of reaching the semi-final. Second success, however, for Argentina who also beat France 26-12 and booked a place in the semi-finals. In the last round of the day France suffers and risks, but in the end manages to prevail 17-12 over Great Britain and stay in the running for the semi-finals, with everything to be decided in the last match. Where Australia must, however, perform a miracle against Argentina, because winning – given the points differences – is not enough. Miracle that doesn’t happen, because Argentina leaves no escape and wins 14-5, finishing the group undefeated.
In the pool BHowever, it was the second success in two matches for Fiji, who after New Zealand also beat Ireland 26-21 and secured a place in the semi-finals. The All Blacks 7s, however, beat South Africa 33-24 and will play it all in the last match against the Irish. Fiji finished with three out of three, dominating South Africa in the last match, winning 26-7. Direct clash that makes the semi-finals between New Zealand and Ireland and a very balanced match, which the Irish take to extra time. But Regan Ware’s try in overtime gives victory and the semi-finals to New Zealand who prevails 22-17. Fiji and New Zealand, therefore, in the semi-finals. Semi-finals which, therefore, will see Argentina-New Zealand and Fiji-France compete, with the sensational elimination of Ireland, who had closed the regular season in second place.
Moving on to women’s tournament, however, in pool A second success for the USA, who beat Great Britain 14-12 and for the Americans the semi-finals are one step away. In the second match, however, Canada clearly – and surprisingly – beats New Zealand 26-17 and sees the semi-finals, while the Black Ferns 7s are at risk, now forced to win the last match and it might not be enough. And the last round of the match sees Canada win against Great Britain, but only in extra time 22-17, with the North Americans having to wait until the last match to find out whether they will go to the semi-finals or not. And in the last match of the day of the women’s tournament, New Zealand definitely raises its head, beats the USA with a peremptory 38-0 and also gives a gift to Canada. With the Canadians first with 7 points, the Black Ferns 7s and the Americans finish tied on points, where the difference between points scored and conceded counts and the ranking sees Canada and New Zealand qualify for the semi-finals, with the USA mocked.
In the pool Bfinally, the second victories arrive for France and Australia, which thus guarantee access to the semi-finals with one match still to be played. France prevailed with a clear 31-5 win over Ireland, while Australia beat Fiji 31-12. In the last round of matches, Ireland’s victory over Fiji 26-19, but above all the Australians’ clear success over France 28-14 and first place secured, with the Transalpine team also in the semi-final. Women’s semi-finals which, therefore, will see Australia-New Zealand compete (in what everyone expected was the final) and Canada-France.
