Olympic Upset: South Africa Defeats New Zealand in Sevens ...

New Zealand secured the top seed for the last eight rallying from 12-0 down to defeat Ireland in their last Pool A fixture. The side leading at half-time had won the previous eight matches between these teams.

Ngarohi McGarvey-Black scored a 13th-minute try, converted by Andrew Knewstubb, to set up a clash with the Blitzboks who were the last of the best third-place qualifiers.

South Africa only secured their third Olympic Games appearance by winning the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco last month. They were forced into this qualification route after losing the final of the 2023 Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens to Kenya.

Sione Molia and Joe Webber replaced Regan Ware and McGarvey-Black in an unsettled start to the session.

New Zealand was probing initially but two wayward passes undid promising attacks.

In the third minute, South African captain Selvyn Davids scored the first try after quick ball and forceful attack left New Zealand undermanned on the left flank.  

Leroy Carter steeped into touch at the restart. Scott Curry stole the lineout and Carter broke, caught by Davids.

Carter’s misfortune continued when he fumbled a pass from Andrew Knewstubb with the try line at his mercy. Davids kicked to space and then dribbled ahead again suppling an unmarked Tristian Laids trailing in support.

Down 14-0, New Zealand desperately needed points and deep into injury time Moses Leo delivered beating his marker in a one-on-one contest after a loop move in midfield created space.

The second half was scoreless but hardly devoid of drama. Shilton Van Wyk split a Davids kick over the try line, otherwise it was New Zealand throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at South Africa.

Leo and Fineanganofo were rampant; South Africa was painfully stubborn. South Africa thwarted three thrusts at their line from less than five metres out.

If there was a single moment that optimised South Africa’s commitment it was a chase and tackle by reserve Ronald Brown on Akuila Rokolisoa. Rokolisoa had nothing but glory ahead.

We gave everything out there. South Africa scrambled well. We weren’t good enough to finish,” New Zealand captain Scott Curry mourned.

“Some of the boys are in tears. To give everything for four years and be knocked out in the quarters is tough.”

New Zealand beat South Africa for the first time in four meetings outside the SVNS series yesterday.

New Zealand previously lost to South Africa in the gold medal match at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the pool stage of RWC Sevens 1993, and the Cup semi-finals at RWC Sevens 1997.

Hosts France produced a flawless first half to eliminate SVNS league champions Argentina 26-14. France led 21-0 at the interval with Aaron Grandidier Nkanang scoring two fabulous tries from ridiculous offloading.

World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Rodrigo Isgro and prolific try-scoring Marcos Moneta played a limited role in the tournament but second-half tries threatened a Pumas resurgence.

Instead with 90 seconds left France expertly preserved possession. On the hooter, France won a penalty which Antoine Dupont tapped suddenly to scamper clear.

Twelve points is the biggest half-time deficit a side has recovered from to win a match in Paris 2024. France have won all five matches against Argentina on their home soil.

Fiji rallied from 15-7 down to topple Ireland 19-15. Fiji struck first through Joji Nasova, but Ireland scored 15 unanswered points with tries to Chay Mullins (2) and Zac Ward.

The Olympic champions are at their best when playing spontaneously and a gut-busting burst by Selesitino Ravutaumada set up Iosefo Baleiwairiki.

A cheeky restart followed and Waisea Nacuqu snaffled to score. Four consecutive penalties threatened to derail Fiji who extended their winning record against the Irish on French soil to five consecutive matches.

Australia whitewashed the USA 13-0. James Turner and Corey Toole scored tries and Maurice Longbottom kicked the first penalty of the Olympics.

The higher seeded team (Team 1) won 16 of the 18 pool matches. Australia was the only team to buck the trend, the fifth seeds beating SNVS 2024 League Winners and second seeds Argentina in their Pool B decider. The other match, between France and USA, ended in a draw.

New Zealand plays Argentina in a fifth place semi on July 28 at 12:30 am. In the semis, France clashes with South Africa and Australia jousts with Fiji.