The semi-finals produced some amazing rugby as the rain started to fall in Glasgow. The biggest surprise was the demolition of South Africa by Samoa in the semi-final of the plate. the 47-0 score line is the biggest winning margin between teams who play all the time at the top level.
The other semi surprise was the extra time win for England against Fiji who we tipped for the Cup final against New Zealand, England 26-21 Fiji.
In the bowl it was great to see Russia continue to improve and beat France 12-10 to progress to the final where they will meet Spain who silenced the home crowd by beating Scotland; Scotland 7-10 Spain.
The Shield final sees Kenya face the USA at Kenya eased past Zimbabwe 24-7, whilst the USA just pipped Portugal 17-14.
The last game of the semi’s was the Cup clash between Australia and New Zealand. This clash started with Australia taking the lead, but that was as good as it got as the Kiwis upped the pace and stretched away to a comfortable win Australia 7-22 New Zealand and yet another Cup final. Much as England have improved we cannot see them living with New Zealand.
Results Semi-Finals
33 13:36 UNITED STATES 17-14 PORTUGAL SF Shield
34 13:58 KENYA 24-7 ZIMBABWE SF Shield
35 14:20 RUSSIA 12-10 FRANCE SF Bowl
36 14:42 SCOTLAND 7-10 SPAIN SF Bowl
37 15:04 SOUTH AFRICA 0-47 SAMOA SF Plate
38 15:26 WALES 12-5 ARGENTINA SF Plate
39 15:48 ENGLAND 26-21 FIJI SF Cup
40 16:10 AUSTRALIA 7-22 NEW ZEALAND SF Cup
Fixtures Finals
41 16:42 UNITED STATES v KENYA Final Shield
42 17:10 RUSSIA v SPAIN Final Bowl
43 17:38 SAMOA v WALES Final Plate
44 18:06 FIJI v AUSTRALIA Third Place
45 18:36 ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND Final Cup