Argentina loses to France in rugby sevens

Argentina lost 26-14 to France yesterday, leaving it with no chance of returning to the podium in rugby sevens at the Olympic Games.

The home team completed a near-perfect first half, to the delight of the 69,000 spectators at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Aaron Grandidier scored two tries for France and Andy Timo scored the other during the first half, with Antoine Dupont scoring in the dying moments.

Unlike the World Series final, which France dominated in Madrid last June, Argentina responded in the second half with goals from its two best players, Rodrigo Isgro and Marcos Moneta, to get within 21-14.

“France played a great first half against us, we gave it away,” said Argentine captain Santiago Álvarez. “In the quarter-finals we can’t do that.”

Argentina, bronze medallist in Tokyo 2020, will have to compete tomorrow in the consolation round for fifth to eighth place.

France will face South Africa in the semi-finals, after beating New Zealand 14-7.

The other semi-final will feature Fiji and Australia.

Fiji remains in contention for a third straight rugby sevens gold medal by rallying to beat Ireland 19-15.—AP

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