In Pool A, New Zealand and Ireland emerged as dominant forces. The All Blacks Sevens secured a 17-5 victory over South Africa and a commanding 40-12 win against Japan. Ireland also showcased their prowess, with a massive 40-5 win over Japan followed by a narrow 10-5 triumph over the Blitzbokke.
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With two victories each on day one, New Zealand and Ireland lead Pool A with six points apiece. The two teams are set to clash on day two to determine the pool winners.
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HSBC SVNS Series league winners Argentina and Australia demonstrated their gold medal-winning potential in Pool B. Los Pumas defeated Samoa 28-12 and later secured a convincing 31-12 win over Kenya. Australia, though faced with slightly stiffer competition, overcame Kenya 21-7 and edged out Samoa 21-14 in a tighter contest.
Similar to Pool A, Argentina and Australia are tied on points at the top of Pool B and will compete against each other tomorrow to crown the pool winners.
In Pool C, 2016 and 2020 gold medal winners Fiji made a strong case for a third consecutive title despite a turbulent year. They demolished the United States 38-12 and Uruguay 40-12. Hosts France began their campaign with a narrow 19-12 victory over Uruguay before drawing with the USA.
Fiji leads Pool C with their two victories, just ahead of France. The two teams will face off tomorrow in the final match of Pool C. The winner of that match will top the pool. However, if Dupont and his team lose and the United States defeats Uruguay, France could find themselves finishing third in their group.
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on these pivotal matches to see which teams will advance and who will be left behind.
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