Rugby

Blitzboks crash out of LA Sevens, open door to crown for rivals

Points leaders South Africa crashed out in Saturday’s group stage of the season-ending World Rugby Sevens Series tournament at Los Angeles, opening the door to the crown for three rivals.

Host United States defeated the Blitzboks 21-7 in the opening match and New Zealand edged South Africa 17-14 to deny the season leaders a quarter-final berth from Pool B. South Africa’s only win in pool play came against Canada, a 22-7 victory.

That left Australia, Argentina and Fiji still in the chase to overtake South Africa for the overall title after all three advanced to the last eight.

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Sunday’s quarter-final pairings include undefeated Fiji against the United States, Ireland against unbeaten New Zealand, Kenya against the unbeaten Aussies and undefeated Samoa against Argentina.

Australia took a critical 19-14 Pool A triumph over Argentina as well as blanking Japan 61-0 and ripping Spain 54-0 in the night’s last match.

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The South Africans, who won last month’s Commonwealth Games crown and the year’s first four events, could have clinched the title by reaching the final.

Instead, Australia, which trailed 124-122 entering the weekend, has the best chance to overtake them with Argentina six back and Olympic champion Fiji on 104.

Under a special points system used this season due to Covid-19, each team’s total includes its best seven results from the year.

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That means Australia would take a first-ever title with a top-three finish while Fiji and Argentina must win Sunday’s final and have help to capture the trophy.

Argentina must have the Aussies lose in the quarter-finals to sustain any title hopes.

The South American squad has never won the title and won its only tournament this season at Vancouver.

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Four-time champion Fiji rolled through Pool C, defeating Wales 28-12, France 29-19 and Ireland 21-7.

The Samoans dominated Pool D, beating Kenya 33-14, Scotland 22-7 and England 31-5.

New Zealand downed the hosts 33-12 and Canada 26-5 in its unbeaten Pool B run.

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By Agence France Presse
Read more on these topics: BlitzboksWorld Sevens Series