LAS VEGAS: Reigning USA Sevens champions South Africa steamed into the Cup semi-finals yesterday with a 36-0 demolition of Argentina in the fourth round of the IRB Sevens World Series.
Cecil Afrika, Branco du Preez, Seabelo Senatla, Chris Dry and Werner Kok all scored tries for South Africa as they smashed Argentina in their quarter-final to line up a clash today with two-time USA Sevens winners Samoa.
Samoa rallied from 10-0 down to beat Australia 12-10, with tries from Sani Niue and Lio Lolo.
Not only are South Africa eyeing a second straight US crown, they are aiming to overtake series leaders New Zealand, who top the standings with 58 points to the South Africans’ 56.
New Zealand will play surprise packages Canada, who stormed back from 14-0 down to beat France 17-14 and reach their first Cup semi-final since Tokyo in 2000.
Connor Braid scored two tries before Nanyak Dala sealed the win.
“I didn’t even know we’d made one before, so that’s amazing. We are very excited,” Canada captain John Moonlight said of reaching the last four.
New Zealand defeated England 24-7 in their quarter-final, Waisake Naholo notching a hat-trick in the emphatic triumph.
New Zealand will be without George Tisley for their semi-final and will be missing Sam Dickson for the rest of the tournament after both received disciplinary sanctions following their final pool match against Fiji earlier yesterday.
South Africa, New Zealand, Samoa and France had all emerged unbeaten in pool play, which began on Friday and concluded on Saturday.
Second-day action also included the Bowl quarter-finals, in which Kenya defeated Spain 24-0 to advance to a clash with Scotland, 31-7 winners over Portugal.
Wales notched their first win of the week with a 12-7 victory over the United States in their Bowl quarter-final. They will meet Fiji after Ben Ryan’s side defeated Uruguay 38-14.
Spain, Portugal, the United States and Uruguay will all enter the Shield semi-finals today.
Captain Warburton signs central contract
LONDON: Captain Sam Warburton is the first player to sign a central contract with the Welsh Rugby Union as the Six Nations holders look to stem a flow of talent out of domestic rugby.
The 25-year-old, who led the British and Irish Lions to victory over Australia last year, was set to be out of contract with the Cardiff Blues later this year. There had been fears he would join the likes of George North and Leigh Halfpenny, who earlier this week agreed to join French side Toulon, in playing club rugby out of Wales.
“We have been able to strike a deal which ensures the Welsh captain will continue to play his rugby at the highest level here in Wales,” WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis said in a statement on its website (www.wru.co.uk).
“I am extremely grateful to the Cardiff Blues chairman, Peter Thomas for his understanding when the WRU chairman and I met him on Wednesday to outline this proposed plan.
“Welsh rugby together cannot stand back any longer and watch its best players leave Wales. We all have to act together and act now in the best interests of the game.”
The WRU intends for the flanker to continue to keep playing for the Cardiff side outside his Wales duties at no cost to the region, and his salary will be paid by the national body. It also ensures he will be released for all international duties as required but does not guarantee him selection. AGENCIES
