Aussies seal Singapore 7s quarter-final spot in style

Sat, Apr 8, 2023, 11:29 AM
AW
by AAP and Nathan Williamson
The history of Rugby Sevens explained

Australia have stormed into the quarter-finals of the World Rugby Sevens Series' latest leg in Singapore.

John Manenti's side thrashed Hong Kong China 48-0 to wrap up their Pool A action on Saturday at the National Stadium in Singapore.

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After finishing a hugely disappointing tied-11th last week in Hong Kong, Josh Turner and Darby Lancaster scored doubles in Australia's eight-try romp, while Nick Malouf, Dietrich Roache, Nathan Lawson and Maurice Longbottom also crossed.

Earlier, the Aussies opened with an impressive 19-0 win over South Africa before being beaten 24-12 by series leaders New Zealand.

The defending World Series champions were ruthless in defence to shut out the Blitzboks, unable to back it up against New Zealand.

Australia finished second behind the Kiwis, who beat the Blitzboks 12-7 in the final pool game, and will take on Argentina in the last eight of the Cup competition on Sunday afternoon (AEST).

The South Americans, who won in Hamilton and Vancouver, are second in the standings after nine rounds with the Aussies sixth going into the weekend.

They held off Ireland 10-0, who sensationally finished bottom of their group after a shock defeat to Japan, before defeating Great Britain with a last minute intercept.

The All Blacks Sevens will play GB in the fourth and final quarter-final.

New Zealand, who have tasted victory in Sydney, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, can become the first nation other than hosts France to officially qualify for Paris 2024 if they hoist the trophy aloft.

Samoa topped Pool B with a perfect record after victories against Fiji, Spain and Canada.

"It's a big win and it's a good win for the boys as it builds our confidence," Samoa coach Brian Lima said after the victory against Fiji.

"We hadn't beaten Fiji for a long time. They're an old rival and it is always a hard game for us but the boys were confident today. They held on to the ball well, kept their position and ended up putting a score on the board."

Samoa set up a quarter-final against opening-day surprise package Uruguay, who beat USA 24-21 to reach the knockouts for only the second time this season.

The Fijians will play Pool C winners France, who beat Kenya and Uruguay and drew with USA.

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