Argentina and France set for historic decider, Fiji lose dramatic semi-final

Argentina are through to the decider at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens as they continue to chase history at the event. Los Pumas Sevens showcased their class and flair against Australia once again, winning 31-7, but the challenge that awaits is made for Hollywood.

With two-time defending men’s champions New Zealand out of the picture after going down to France in the quarter-finals on Saturday, a new winner will be crowned at Kai Tak Stadium with Argentina set to take on France for the highly-prestigious sevens prize.

France booked their spot in the big dance with a hard-fought 24-17 win over Fiji who came within inches of sending the match to golden point. Les Bleus Sevens have put two losses on day one behind them and now stand on the cusp of history.

LA’s Dignity Health Sports Park will host the World Championship and SVNS Series playoffs on May 3-4. Don’t miss out – buy your tickets HERE.

Argentina and France have never won the Hong Kong Sevens.

A first-time champion will be crowned.

Los Puma Sevens were the first men’s side to book their spot in the final, as they overcame an Australian side that’s continued to show signs of growth. The Aussies smashed Great Britain in their quarter, with Henry Paterson making it clear afterwards they’re a “world-class” side.

German Schulz struck first in the semi as Argentina took an early lead, but Hayden Sargeant struck back a couple of minutes later for the Aussies, with the playmaker stepping up and nailing a shot at goal afterwards to hand the underdogs an advantage.

But it was all one-way traffic from there as last season’s League Winners ran away with a huge 24-point win. Schulz completed a hat-trick with efforts in the seventh and ninth minutes, while Marcos Moneta and Alejo Lavayen also got in on the try-scoring fun.

“We try to give our best each day, each moment. We give it all for this team” Santiago Alvarez told RugbyPass after Argentina’s big win over Fiji on Saturday.

“We left things in Argentina, we stopped doing things because of this team and we enjoy being in this team.

“There is nothing I can tell you to [pinpoint] but I’m trying to enjoy this moment now and trying to be better.”

The second men’s semi-final was possibly one of the greatest SVNS Series matches of all-time.

Joseva Talacolo scored the opener in the second minute but France would take the lead into the break after tries to Gregoire Arfeuil and Andy Timo. The second-half was a tense battle as these teams traded tries on two occasions.

With the scores locked at 17-all, Fiji packed down for an attacking scrum.

There wasn’t too long on the clock, but an error handed the ball back to France.

France got themselves into a solid attacking opportunity and ended up scoring through Mateo Garcia who delivered a miraculous finish. The TMO reviewed the score with everyone at Kai Tak Stadium watching on, but the try was awarded after a couple of minutes.

Download the RugbyPass App to watch exclusive SVNS Series videos and catch up on the latest news you need to know. Download it from the App Store HERE or Google Play.