Rugby Sevens-Four-try Baker sends US into quarter-finals

PARIS : Evergreen winger Perry Baker scored four tries as the United States beat Uruguay 33-7 on Thursday to secure an Olympic rugby sevens quarter-final against Australia, who beat Argentina 22-14 to top their pool.

Double defending champions Fiji beat France 19-12, with both sides already through. Fiji will play Ireland later on Thursday and the hosts will take on Argentina, which is likely to be a lively affair after the Argentines have been regularly booed by French fans in the wake of a video showing some Argentine international footballers singing a racist song about the French team.

Tokyo silver medallists New Zealand fought back to beat Ireland, earning a quarter-final against South Africa.

The U.S. trailed early against Uruguay but went ahead through Baker’s second try just before halftime.

They stretched that lead immediately after the restart with a Lucas Lacamp long-range effort.

Baker, twice world sevens player of the year and appearing in his third Olympics, then got his third, before belying his 38 years with a lung-busting 70-metre run for his fourth at the death, helping send the U.S. through as one of two best third-placed teams.

Fiji look to have hit their form at just the right time after struggling early in the season and they were impressive in beating beat France 19-12 to top Pool C, though the hosts were also already guaranteed progress after their win and draw on Wednesday.

Aaron Grandidier Nkanang had the fans roaring with France's first try but some typically ambitious handling set up Fiji's Jerry Tuwai to make it 5-5 at halftime.

Kaminieli Rasaku then danced through two tackles to put Fiji ahead and they virtually monopolised the ball from then on and scored their third through Joji Nasova.

The