Day Two and the semi finals of the Gold Coast Seven’s leg of the IRB World Series threw up some epic encounters.
The main competition saw South Africa lose to Fiji 10-21, this was a ding dong contest but Fiji had to much control for the exciting Boks. 7-14 at the break turning into a convincing win for the Islanders.
Next up New Zealand were pushed for a while by the new look organised Kenyans, the scores were tied at 5-5 at the break but eventually the Blacks ran out winners 15-5.
The plate semis were a couple of exciting match ups as first France won easily 21-7 thanks to errors galore from Samoa who were 21-0 down with 1 minute to play. Then Argentina went right to the wire against Australia. The Pumas led 12-0 at half-time and all looked on for a comfortable win. But Australia came right back and took the lead 10-14, only for the Pumas to steal it in the closing minutes 17-14.
The Bowl semis also threw up a couple of good games. Canada gave England a mighty scare and in fact if they had converted their second try when the scores were 19-19 would have taken the win. However it did not go over and England won with the golden try in extra time. Wales dismal day continued as Spain won comfortably in the end although this one was 19-17 to Spain with a couple of minutes left ending Spain 26-17 Wales.
So what of the finals well they are all pretty tight to call, so we have gone for the Kiwis for the Cup. South Africa for third, Argentina to have just to much for France in the Plate. England to nip it from Spain who have been outstanding. Last but by no means least USA with to much pace and power for Scotland.
Next up the semi-finals
Results Semi-Finals
All Times Local
33 14 Oct 13:36 Portugal 0-33 Scotland SF Shield
34 14 Oct 13:58 United States 33-26 Tonga SF Shield
35 14 Oct 14:20 Canada 19-24 England SF Bowl
36 14 Oct 14:42 Wales 17-26 Spain SF Bowl
37 14 Oct 15:14 France 21-7 Samoa SF Plate
38 14 Oct 15:36 Argentina 17-14Australia SF Plate
39 14 Oct 15:58 South Africa 10-21 Fiji SF Cup
40 14 Oct 16:20 New Zealand 15-5 Kenya SF Cup
Fixtures Finals
Some tough calls but here are our tips, as usual in Bold:
All Times Local
41 14 Oct 17:02 Scotland v United States Final Shield
42 14 Oct 17:32 England v Spain Final Bowl
43 14 Oct 18:02 France v Argentina Final Plate
44 14 Oct 18:32 South Africa v Kenya Third Place
45 14 Oct 19:04 Fiji v New Zealand Final Cup