HSBC SVNS 2024: Spain reach first ever semi-final; Argentina knocked out

Spain completed a stunning comeback in Los Angeles to beat Fiji 21-19 and reach their first Cup semi-final in HSBC SVNS history.

Two cards were the undoing of a five-man Fiji side that had led 19-0 at the half-time whistle. In a quarter-final stage full of upsets, Ireland also knocked out HSBC SVNS series leaders Argentina and Great Britain beat Australia.

The Irish, who themselves had only scraped through Pool A, beat Los Pumas 24-14 to take their place against France in the semi-finals, while Great Britain scored at the death to win 26-19.

France beat the USA 14-0 for their spot in the final four while Spain will face Great Britain in the second semi-final.

Group stage: Spain advance while Vancouver finalists falter

Spain shocked Ireland en route to their second quarter-final of the HSBC SVNS 2024 series with a 19-14 victory in Pool A, however both sides still advanced to the quarter finals. Argentina, with three wins from three, advanced as pool leaders.

Australia topped Pool B with victories over the USA and Samoa, winning a tight 17-12 affair against the hosts before sealing victory in an entertainment-filled 28-19 game with Samoa. Despite beating Samoa 10-7, New Zealand were unable to qualify for the quarter-finals, losing 28-19 against the USA with Tepaea Cook Savage’s missed conversion leaving them short of the losing bonus point required.

Pool C saw Fiji advance with a perfect record, France and Great Britain also making the final eight.

Six-man France hold out

France were shown a red but managed to hold hosts USA scoreless in their quarter final clash to win 14-0.

Antoine Dupont scored the first try for Les Bleus, and even with Theo Forner heading to the bin they kept the Men's Eagles Sevens out, Andy Timo adding a second for a 14-0 lead at the break.

Forner’s second yellow earned him his red early in the second half, but resilient French defence held out the USA for their place in the semi-finals.

Ireland stun Argentina

Winning by 24-14, Ireland became the first side to defeat Argentina in the quarter-finals this season, ending their run of seven straight victories at this stage to make the semi-finals.

Rodrigo Isgro crossed first for Los Pumas Sevens, taking a 14-5 lead into the break, but two yellow cards for Isgro and Matías Osadczuk after the break saw Ireland get a foothold in the game. Scoring two tries in quick succession, Jordan Conroy and Mark Roche gave the Irish the lead, and just as Argentina looked sure to fight back, Conroy raced away down the right wing for his second of the game, ultimately sealing victory.

Spain reach first ever semi-final

Spain completed a miraculous comeback from 19-0 down at half-time to win 21-19 against five-man Fiji.

Terio Tamani saw red for a tip tackle before Pilipo Bukayaro was put in the bin for a high shot, a brace from Pol Pla taking Spain in front on the scoreboard and into their first Cup semi-final in HSBC SVNS history.

The two-time Olympic champions were utterly dominant in the opening half as they crossed for three unanswered tries, but the two cards totally changed the completion of the game.

GB upset Australia

Femi Sofolarin’s try with the scores locked at 19-19 and with the clock in the red saw Great Britain clutch a famous win in Los Angeles.

Nathan Lawson got the first for Australia but scores from Ethan Waddleton and Tom Emery gave Great Britain a 14-7 lead at the break. Morgan Williams’ effort extended it, but Australia roared back into the game with two tries to level things up at 19-19.

Great Britain stayed patient in attack, working the ball from left to right before Sofolarin’s pace was too much for a stretched Aussie defence as he went over for the winner in the right corner.