Ware, Curry shine as New Zealand set up Fiji final

Thursday, 29 July 2021 01:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Regan Ware of New Zealand scores a try – Reuters

TOKYO (Reuters): Wing Regan Ware and inspirational captain Scott Curry scored two tries each as New Zealand defeated Britain 29-7 in their semi-final at the Olympic Rugby Sevens to set up a gold medal meeting with old foes Fiji at the Tokyo Stadium on Wednesday.

Defending champions Fiji held off a strong first half showing from Argentina to win their semi-final 26-14, their physicality and experience too much for the South Americans.

New Zealand held onto possession for the opening three minutes of the first clash with Britain as they moved up field from their own 22, which resulted in a first try for Curry.

But Britain needed just 15 seconds on the ball to draw level as Dan Norton showed his electric pace as he glided between two defenders and raced away to score.

Ware showed his speed on the right wing to score a second try for New Zealand on the stroke of halftime that gave them a 14-7 lead, and three more tries in the second period settled the contest.

Fiji opened the scoring against Argentina in the second semi-final as the hugely impressive Sireli Maqala brushed off three defenders to dot down.

But the South Americans led 14-12 at the break as tries from Marcos Moneta and Ignacio Mendy handed them the advantage.

Fiji’s experience showed in the second half with Jiuta Wainiqolo and Semi Radradra scoring to brush aside the challenge of the Argentines.

Britain, who were silver medallists in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, will meet Argentina for bronze.

South Africa and the United States play-off for fifth place after they defeated Australia and Canada respectively. Kenya beat Ireland to ninth, while hosts Japan avoided the wooden spoon with a 31-19 victory over South Korea.