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The top two sides on the HSBC Sevens Series standings have qualified for the Gold Medal final at the Olympic Games. Australia looked confident and composed with a near-faultless performance against Canada in the first semi-final, winning 17-5 and keeping their favorites tag for the final. New Zealand stormed past Great Britain 25-7 with two yellow cards in quick succession to the Brits ending any hopes of staying in the match.
Colombia started Day 3 against Kenya in the 11th place playoff, with the African nation coming away 22-10 winners. The Colombians finish in 12th but scored their first points of the tournament and led 10-5 at the half with tries from Khaterinne Medina and Sharon Acevedo. Brazil were comfortable 33-5 winners for a second time over Japan to finish in 9th spot. Beatriz Mulhbauer scored her fourth try of the tournament with Rachel Kochhann kicking four out of five conversions.
France defeated a game but outmatched Spain 24-12 in the first semi-final for 5th place. A hat-trick from Lina Guérin led the way for Les Bleus. In the second the USA came from behind to get through Fiji 12-7. Alev Kelter converted her own score to tie the match and Richelle Stephens slid over with less than two minutes on the clock to clinch the win and a spot in the 5th place final.
The final set of matches kicks off at 16:30 ET, 17:30 local Brazilian time.
DAY 3 KNOCK-OUT RESULTS
11th PLACE FINAL
Colombia 10 – 22 Kenya
9th PLACE FINAL
Brazil 33 – 5 Japan
5th PLACE SEMI-FINALS
Spain 12 – 24 France
Fiji 7 – 12 USA
MEDAL SEMI-FINALS
Australia 17 – 5 Canada
Great Britain 7 – 25 New Zealand
DAY 3 FINALS FIXTURES (all times local Brazil)
MON, AUG 8 – 17:30 – 7th PLACE FINAL – Spain vs Fiji
MON, AUG 8 – 18:00 – 5th PLACE FINAL – France vs USA
MON, AUG 8 – 18:30 – BRONZE MEDAL FINAL – Canada vs Great Britain
MON, AUG 8 – 19:00 – GOLD MEDAL FINAL – Australia vs New Zealand
