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Argentina emerged as the best team on Day One in Dubai. Los Pumas were a perfect three wins from three to start their 2023-24 campaign, and will be joined in the Quarter Finals by the USA. Canada went winless and will aim for 9th place on Day Two.
The Eagles were up first against Fiji and the two sides were neck-and-neck until a late try from Joseva Talacolo gave the Pacific Islanders the victory. Doubles for Marcus Tupuola and Malacchi Esdale contributed to a strong victory over Great Britain, and the USA clinched top spot in Pool C with a convincing victory over France.
Spain were the first victims for Los Pumas, and then a Marcos Moneta hat trick led the way to victory over Australia. In the same match Santiago Álvarez recorded his 50th career sevens series try. Ireland were competitive but ultimately second best as Luciano González Rizzoni scored twice for the Argentines.
Canada held a surprise 14-12 halftime lead against New Zealand but couldn’t quite close out the game, losing by one score. Things unraveled against South Africa who were too far gone by the intermission, and a poor showing against Samoa saw the Maple Leafs shut out entirely.
New Zealand awaits the USA in the third Quarter Final on Day Two, with Argentina taking on Samoa in the match immediately following. Canada will seek some redemption against Great Britain in the second 9th Place Semi Final.
DAY ONE RESULTS
POOL A
New Zealand 26 – 21 Canada
Samoa 14 – 22 South Africa
South Africa 35 – 14 Canada
New Zealand 14 – 12 Samoa
Samoa 24 – 0 Canada
New Zealand 19 – 21 South Africa
POOL B
Argentina 26 – 12 Spain
Australia 12 – 19 Ireland
Ireland 35 – 10 Spain
Argentina 31 – 14 Australia
Australia 25 – 7 Spain
Argentina 17 – 7 Ireland
POOL C
Fiji 21 – 14 USA
France 35 – 0 Great Britain
Great Britain 12 – 36 USA
Fiji 40 – 5 France
France 14 – 26 USA
Fiji 0 – 24 Great Britain
DAY TWO FIXTURES
CUP QUARTER FINALS
South Africa vs Australia
Ireland vs Fiji
USA vs New Zealand
Samoa vs Argentina
9th PLACE SEMI FINALS
France vs Spain
Great Britain vs Canada
