NEW ZEALAND AVOIDED a shock pool-stage exit from the Rio Olympics thanks to Fiji’s dramatic 24-19 victory over the US.
New Zealand advanced by just a single point on points difference. Themba Hadebe
Themba Hadebe
Defeat to Great Britain earlier in the day meant the Kiwis needed Fiji to beat the US by five points or more to ensure their passage into the quarter-finals.
Ben Ryan’s Fijians just hit the required five-point margin in the final game of the thrilling pool stages, providing New Zealand a lifeline and denying the US a quarter-final berth.
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It means New Zealand, despite losing to both Japan and Great Britain in Pool C, will take on Fiji in this evening’s quarter-finals at Deodoro Stadium.
Having won all three of their pool games, Great Britain will face Argentina in the first round of the knock-out stages.
South Africa will battle with Australia, while France clash with surprise package Japan – who recorded pool wins over New Zealand and Kenya – for a place in the semi-finals.
The semi-finals, Bronze Medal match and Gold Medal match all take place tomorrow.
New Zealand scrape into Olympic 7s quarter-finals thanks to Fiji
NEW ZEALAND AVOIDED a shock pool-stage exit from the Rio Olympics thanks to Fiji’s dramatic 24-19 victory over the US.
Defeat to Great Britain earlier in the day meant the Kiwis needed Fiji to beat the US by five points or more to ensure their passage into the quarter-finals.
Ben Ryan’s Fijians just hit the required five-point margin in the final game of the thrilling pool stages, providing New Zealand a lifeline and denying the US a quarter-final berth.
It means New Zealand, despite losing to both Japan and Great Britain in Pool C, will take on Fiji in this evening’s quarter-finals at Deodoro Stadium.
Having won all three of their pool games, Great Britain will face Argentina in the first round of the knock-out stages.
South Africa will battle with Australia, while France clash with surprise package Japan – who recorded pool wins over New Zealand and Kenya – for a place in the semi-finals.
The semi-finals, Bronze Medal match and Gold Medal match all take place tomorrow.
Olympic 7s quarter-finals:
Fiji v New Zealand [9pm Irish time today]
Japan v France [9.30pm]
Great Britain v Argentina [10pm]
South Africa v Australia [10.30pm]
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7s Nervy Olympics Rio 2016 Sevens New Zealand