HSBC SVNS: League Winners still up for grabs as Ireland beat Argentina

Argentina missed out on the chance to be crowned SVNS League Winners 2024 as they lost 21-5 to Ireland in their HSBC SVNS Singapore quarter-final. 

Los Pumas Sevens have been the standout men’s side this season, winning three tournaments in Cape Town, Perth and Vancouver, but their form has dropped of late in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and now Singapore. 

It means second-place Ireland still have a chance of clinching the League Winners title – to prise it from Argentina’s clutches, Ireland need to win the tournament and hope Argentina finish no higher than sixth. 

The final spot in the Grand Final is also still to play for after the USA lost 19-14 against New Zealand in their quarter-final, while Great Britain were outstanding in their win 35-7 against France. 

GB will face Ireland in the semi-finals tomorrow in a hugely consequential clash, GB needing to win the tournament to ensure their place in Madrid and Ireland needing to do the same for a chance to lift the League Winners title.

New Zealand face Australia in the other semi-final after they edged South Africa 29-24 on golden point.

Pool stage wrapped up

In Pool A, Argentina were ruthless in their 38-0 victory over Canada, and New Zealand showed their champion credentials in a 26-10 win against Australia.

Los Pumas Sevens advanced to the quarters in dramatic fashion with six unanswered tries, while New Zealand were too strong in the first half, a 19-0 lead at the break too great for Australia to reel in. 

In Pool B, South Africa snatched an epic last-second victory in the pool decider with France, going the full length to win 20-19. 

France had taken the lead through Jean Pascal Barraque with less than a minute to go, but Rosko Specman’s late break eventually found Dylan Sage in the left corner to cross for the winner. 

Great Britain picked themselves off the canvas to win 21-19 against the USA in Pool C, keeping their hopes of Marid qualification alive. Steve Tomasin and Naima Fuala'au scored two early tries as the USA burst out the blocks, but a determined GB hit back with three of their own, leading 21-12 at the break. 

Kevon Williams brought the US within two, and Perry Baker looked sure to have scored the winner, only to be brilliantly held up by Charlton Kerr. 

Fiji got their first win of the weekend against Ireland by 26-19, however it wasn’t enough for a spot in the quarters, the first time in their history they’ve missed out in Singapore. 

GB upset France 

France got the first score of the game, but Great Britain replied with two more in quick succession from Morgan Williams and Robbie Fergusson. Harry Glover came on the switch to add a third just before half time.

GB’s fourth came off some incredible phase play that took them from coast to coast, Max McFarland with the crucial touchdown to take his side out of sight. 

Will Homer’s late score was icing on the cake. 

Ireland break Puma hearts

Ireland led 7-5 at the break, Jordan Conroy’s converted score responding to Tobias Wade’s for Argentina a minute earlier. 

Terry Kennedy streaked down the right wing to extend the Irish lead, and with Matteo Graziano sent to the bin, Billy Dardis added a third for an unassailable lead. 

New Zealand down USA

USA took a slim 7-5 lead into half time after Kevon Williams opened the scoring in the first minute, Regan Ware getting the reply for New Zealand. 

The All Blacks Sevens took the initiative in the second half, Fehi Fineanganofo with the early score, but Adam Channel pulled one back for the US to take the lead back. 

However, a strong cut line from Tone Ng Shiu saw him over the line, and with just a minute to go was enough for New Zealand to clinch victory. 

Australia edge South Africa 

Australia took charge in the first half with three tries against the unbeaten South Africa to lead 15-5, Zain Davids with the only score for the Blitzboks.

Matthew Lawson finished another slick team try for Australia early in the second, but South Africa hit back with three successive scores from to level up the scores at 24-24.