Hong Kong Sevens: New Zealand reign ended by France fightback, Fiji break Spanish hearts
Olympic champions score 21 unanswered points to win from 14-0 down against Kiwis, and join Fiji, Argentina and Australia in the semi-finals
New Zealand have lost their grip on the Hong Kong Sevens crown after France staged a stunning comeback to beat the two-time defending champions 21-14 in an absorbing quarter-final at chilly Kai Tak Stadium.
The French, whose bloodstained forward Antoine Zeghdar called the victory his team’s best since they won last summer’s Olympic final, will meet Fiji in the semi-finals – a repeat of the Paris final – after the 19-time champions survived a dramatic Spanish recovery to win their last-eight clash 31-28.
Argentina maintained their 100 per cent record with a 22-14 win over Ireland to book a last-four date with rapidly improving Australia, who swept aside Great Britain 34-5.
Champions in 2023 and 2024, New Zealand appeared poised for a cruise at 14-0 up against France, who had progressed from their pool only courtesy of an overtime try to beat Kenya 14-7 on Saturday morning.
But a pair of quick tries from Gregoire Arfeuil drew France level, before a Joe Quere Karaba score and some herculean defending secured a fabulous win.
Zeghdar, whose team lost their opening two pool matches, said: “It’s our best win since the Olympics – we’ve had lots of games, but this is very special. It’s in a big stadium, it’s been a difficult day, but we tried to push our limits.