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GB Sevens join NZ, Fiji and France in Olympics semis as new champ guaranteed
By Kim Ekin
Great Britain, New Zealand, Fiji and France are through to the Olympic semi-finals of the rugby sevens after a thrilling second day at Tokyo Stadium.
Great Britian's Jasmine Joyce scored a try in each half to help her side into the medal semi-finals with an upset 21-12 win over the USA. Joyce crossed either side of an Abbie Brown effort to give her side a 21-0 lead, which Great Britain were able to defend despite late tries from Kristi Kirshe and Naya Tapper.
France stand between Great Britain and the gold medal match after they recovered from conceding the first try against China to win their medal quarter-final 24-10.
Although France have never played Great Britain — or Scotland or Wales — at this level, Les Bleues have faced England on 18 occasions, winning nine of them including eight of the last ten.
One thing is assured, there will be new Olympic champions named after reigning womens' champs Australia were knocked out by Fiji.
Tries from Alowesi Nakoci and Ana Maria Naimasi gave the Fijiana a 14-0 lead with less than four minutes gone, and although Faith Nathan and Charlotte Caslick crossed in the second half the Australians could not reel them in.
Meanwhile, favourites New Zealand booked their place in the last four with a comfortable 36-0 defeat of the Russian Olympic Committee team (ROC). Portia Woodman scored two of the Black Ferns Sevens’ six tries, while Michaela Blyde took her tally for the tournament to six.
Saturday’s second medal semi-final kicks off at 11:30 local time.
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Latest Comments
Much like the Chiefs finally gave up waiting for Atu Moli to ever not be injured, you have to wonder if the Chiefs and Crusaders will let Josh Lord and Ethan Blackadder go next season. They’re being well paid to sit in the injury ward every year. Better off putting those funds towards someone who might actually play.
Go to commentsShowed better basic skills than some nz Super sides, who probably would have botched some of those backline moves. This tournament really is too short though. Needs more teams, or have them play two rounds to properly prepare them for the near full-time NH U20 sides.
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