Rugby Sevens-South Africa shock NZ, France beat Argentina

PARIS :South Africa shocked New Zealand 14-7 v on Thursday to earn an Olympic rugby sevens semi-final against France after the hosts turned on the style to beat Argentina 26-14 in front of a joyous Stade de France crowd.

South Africa, who qualified for the Games by winning the final repechage slot last month and lost 17-5 to New Zealand in Wednesday’s pool game, started strongly and defended brilliantly as the Tokyo silver medallists poured on the pressure late on.

South African captain Selwyn Davies picked a terrific line to blast through for the opening try then delivered a great kick and chase which he scooped up to gift Tristan Leyds a second try, both converted by Leyds.

New Zealand struggled for accuracy but put together a sharp move to send Moses Leo over to make it 14-7 at halftime.

New Zealand, who scored a last-gasp try to beat Ireland and top their pool earlier on Thursday, hammered at the door throughout the second half but were kept at bay by some incredible South African defence as they held on for a memorable victory.

The clash between Argentina, who won the regular season world series, and France, champions of the new end-of-season finale, was always likely to be high-octane. But there was an extra edge with the Argentines being booed by French fans in the wake of a video showing some Argentine international footballers singing a racist song about the French team.

France got off to a flyer with two tries in a minute, as Andy Timo stepped inside his man for the opener before high-speed Aaron Grandidier Nkanang finished off another slick exchange.

Grandidier Nkanang then scored a spectacular diving one-handed try to make it 21-0 at halftime.

World player of the year Rodrigo Isgro, making his first appearance of the