Antoine Dupont drives France to rugby 7s semis at Paris Olympics, New Zealand knocked out
- Double gold medallists Fiji survived a huge scare from an outstanding Ireland to secure a narrow win and preserve their unbeaten record
Global rugby superstar Antoine Dupont inspired France to a thrilling 26-14 Olympic sevens quarter-final win over Argentina on a pulsating night at the Stade de France that also saw the mighty New Zealand suffer a shock exit.
Meanwhile, double gold medallists Fiji survived a huge scare from an outstanding Ireland, narrowly retaining their unvanquished Olympic record with a dramatic come-from-behind 19-15 win.
France had flattered to deceive in the pool phase but finally justified their pre-tournament favourite tag, blitzing bitter rivals Argentina with three first-half tries.
Aaron Grandidier Nkanang wowed the crowd with two of those, the second an acrobatic dive into the corner that was arguably the best finish of the tournament so far.
Argentina, who had already been jeered at every match and received an extra loud hostile reception, pulled a try back early in the second half through Rodrigo Isgro.
This prompted French coach Jerome Daret to unleash the talismanic Dupont, seen by many as the world’s greatest 15-a-side player, with five minutes remaining.