HONG KONG – The final-four of Hong Kong Rugby Sevens are confirmed on Saturday, as defending champion New Zealand will meet Australia in the semifinal while its women’s side also sets up a clash against Aussie.
New Zealand men’s team had claimed two consecutive wins in the opening day and they rode the momentum by seeing off the United States 12-7 in the final pool game, followed by a 19-12 comeback win over Fiji in the quarterfinal.
Ireland takes on France and Australia meets New Zealand in men’s semifinal while this rugby series leader Argentina failed to progress despite a 17-14 victory over Britain in the final pool game.
In women’s competition, New Zealand fell to a shock 26-21 loss to France in the final pool game, but both sides advanced to the semifinals to face Australia and the United States respectively.
New Zealand recovered to beat Canada 26-5 in the quarterfinal, while France made light work of Ireland in a 31-7 victory.
The United States was similarly commanding in its 33-7 win against Fiji, while Australia earned a 12-0 victory over a determined Japan to set up a contest with New Zealand.