Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018: Fiji maul Argentina to reach semi-finals in San Francisco; New Zealand win women’s title
Another huge win has Gareth Baber’s side primed for the final day at AT&T Park, where they will meet the All Blacks Sevens
The Fiji train rolled on at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco on Sunday, with the Olympic champions running in seven tries in a 43-7 quarter-final mauling of Argentina.
Semi Radradra showed his class to send Kalione Nasoko over to open the scoring in the second minute and when Paula Dranisinukula scored from the restart, it was clear the match was only heading one way.
A fifth-minute Josua Tuisova try saw the islanders take a 19-0 lead into the break. Argentina drew first blood in the second half through Franco Sabato, before normal service resumed with a try to Fiji’s Amenoni Nasilasila.
Further tries to Alosio Naduva, Leone Nakarawa and a second to Nasilasila completed the rout.
Fiji take on New Zealand in the semi-finals on Monday morning (Hong Kong time) and for Nakarawa, the one-sided nature of his side’s opening two wins counts for nothing come the final day.
“That game is done now. I think the boys played really well, but we are not underestimating any team right now,” he said.
“We are just doing what we are told to do by the coach and working on our basic skills. We are working on our set piece and small technical things so we can counter the opposition.
“Going up to the third day, it is important to start well. It’s up to the individual and the team to stay focused – it is all about mental focus now.”
South Africa completely dismantled Scotland to book their semi-final berth, with doubles to Werner Kok and Justin Geduld spearheading a 36-5 thumping. Siviwe Soyizwapi and Ruhan Nel also got in on the act with tries of their own.
The Blitzboks will play England, who outlasted the USA 24-19 in an extra-time thriller after some Perry Baker magic dragged the hosts back into the contest. New Zealand edged France 12-7 in a dour affair.
First-half tries to Michaela Blyde, Portia Woodman and Tyla Nathan-Wong gave New Zealand a 15-0 lead at the break and Blyde sealed the deal by crossing twice more in the second half.
Top seeds New Zealand edged past the USA 26-21 to book their spot in the final and France shocked Olympic champions Australia 19-12 to progress. Australia defeated USA 24-14 in the bronze final.
