Fiji has secured a rematch against France by winning all its pool matches at the Dubai Sevens rugby tournament. The Fijian team triumphed over New Zealand, the United States, and Spain, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with France. This match is particularly significant as France previously ended Fiji’s quest for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris in July.
In this latest Dubai tournament, notable changes have occurred within the French squad, as Antoine Dupont, who was recently celebrated as the men’s world sevens player of the year, will not be participating. The post-Olympic period has seen considerable turnover with 91 new players making their debuts across both the men’s and women’s teams.
Argentina also emerged from the pool stage without a loss and is set to compete against Australia in the upcoming quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the men’s quarterfinals will feature Great Britain facing Spain, South Africa going up against New Zealand, and Argentina squaring off against Australia.
On a positive note, Spain’s men’s and women’s teams have reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2019. The men’s team claimed a notable victory over New Zealand, winning 26-14, marking only their third win against them in world series history. Meanwhile, the women’s team defeated France 24-12 to secure their advancement in the tournament.
The excitement continues to build as these talented teams vie for positioning in the knockout rounds, showcasing the growing competitive spirit in rugby sevens. This tournament not only highlights the dynamic nature of the game but also introduces fresh talent, which bodes well for the future of the sport.
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