The second session of rugby will include classification and quarterfinal matches. First up will be the classification matches featuring Samoa vs. Japan and Kenya vs. Uruguay. The quarterfinals will feature New Zealand vs. South Africa, Argentina vs. France, Fiji vs. Ireland and Australia vs. the United States. This article will be updated throughout the session with results.
Samoa vs. Japan
Samoa entered the match as the ninth seed against the twelfth-seeded Japan and Samoa cruised to a 42-7 win over Japan.
The Samoans showed off their speed with an easy try by Paul Scanlan to start the scoring. He’d score a second try quickly after that. Samoa tacked on 28 more points, including a try by rugby union leader Vaafauese Apelu Maliko. With the win, Samoa guaranteed at least a 10th place finish in its first Olympic tournament.
Uruguay vs. Kenya
Rain started to fall at Stade de France, setting the stage for a wet match between Uruguay and Kenya. Kenya needed extra time, but secured the 19-14 win over Uruguay.
The conditions didn’t bother Uruguay’s Juan Manuel Tafernaberry who scored off the opening kickoff. As the rain picked up, it caused a lot of turnovers, but Kenya’s John Okoth finally broke through to tie it. Samuel Asati added a try for Kenya. In a last-minute flurry, Uruguay capitalized on a man-advantage with a try by Baltazar Amaya to even the score at 14 all.
In extra time, Uruguay’s Guillermo Lijtenstein made a critical error off a penalty kick. On the next series, Patrick Odongo Okong’o ran the length of the field for the game-winning try.
South Africa vs. New Zealand
The two rugby union powerhouses found themselves facing off in the quarterfinals. South Africa pulled off the upset and beat the All Blacks 14-7.
South Africa’s captain Selvyn Davids took advantage of space, putting the Springboks on the board first. Late in the first, Davids executed a beautiful kick and recovery which led to a Tristan Leyds try. Moses Leo added a crucial score for the All Blacks right before the half.
South Africa displayed incredible defense in the second half stopping two near tries by the All Blacks. The Springboks held on and stunned New Zealand, the Tokyo silver medalists and podium favorite.
Argentina vs. France
France and Argentina played in front of a loud and loyal crowd to the host nation. France’s dominant first half secured a 26-14 win over Argentina.
The 69,000 fans cheered loudly as Andy Timo ran into the try zone for the first score of the match. Aaron Grandidier quickly added another score for the French. He’d add one more before the half for a 21-0 lead at the break.
Sevens world rugby player of the year, Rodrigo Isgro, stopped the bleeding in the second half and scored the first try of the match for Argentina. With four minutes to go, Jordan Sepho was assessed a yellow card for multiple offsides infractions, which forced France to play down a man for two minutes. Marcos Moneta capitalized to bring Argentina within seven. The crowd went nuts when rugby union star Antoine Dupont scored the final try of the match.
The French will play for a medal on home soil.
Fiji vs. Ireland
Fiji entered the quarterfinal match still undefeated in play since rugby returned to the Olympics in 2016. Despite an early scare, Fiji came back for a 19-15 win over Ireland.
Chay Mullins scored two tries in the first for a 10-7 Irish lead at the half. Zac Ward extended the lead with a nice pick-and-go move. Fiji roared back with back-to-back tries by Joji Nasova and Waisea Nacuqu for a 19-15 lead. Fiji committed four consecutive penalties in stoppage time, giving the Irish a last-minute chance for the upset, but Fiji held on to advance.
Australia vs. United States
In the last match of the day, the Americans looked to advance to the semifinals after failing to do so in Tokyo. The Aussies wouldn't have it and dominated the Americans for a 18-0 win.
Australia suffered a blow midway through the first when Dietrich Peter Roache left the match due to injury. James Turner put the Aussies on the board first and Corey Toole added another try for a 10-0 lead at the half.
The Americans never found their rhythm. Maurice Longbottom added eight points for the Aussies in the second half with a penalty kick and try. Australia advances to a medal match for the first time in the Olympics. The U.S. will play for fifth through eighth place on Saturday, with no matches held tomorrow due to the Opening Ceremony.