WUC Rugby Sevens day 3: France and South Africa victorious

The final day’s action at this year’s FISU World University Championships Rugby Sevens showcased high quality and entertaining rugby, as the successful tournament culminated in the finals of both the men’s and women’s divisions on Saturday.

The seaside town of Swakopmund in Namibia was abuzz with excitement, with locals slowly but steadily trickling in through the gates of the Swakopmund Central Stadium to witness the best university rugby sevens players in action in their own back yard.

The women’s draw began with firm favourites and defending champions France once again dominating play with a comprehensive 56-0 victory over Belgium in the first semi-final, before Australia exacted revenge on South Africa after their loss earlier in the tournament to beat their opponents 31-12, thereby booking their place in the final. Belgium would go on to claim the bronze medal, getting the better of South Africa to take third place with a well-earned 17-0 win.

Unbeaten France proved their worth in the final, their skill, strength and power too much for the Australians as the defending women’s champions retained their crown with a convincing 24-7 victory. The French ladies won all their six games across the three days, scoring a mammoth 231 points while conceding just two tries the entire tournament.

Between matches and during the lunch-break, supporters were kept entertained as the Pop-Up Festival adjacent the rugby field had something for everyone, ranging from jumping castles for children, clothes and merchandise stalls as well as food and beverage outlets, while jovial music kept one and all jiving and upbeat in the warm African sun.

Back to the action in the men’s division, China earned their first victory of the tournament, overcoming Zambia 31-12 to take ninth spot, while fifth went to Argentina after they humbled Uganda 29-0. Unfortunately Sri Lanka could not contest for seventh place as sickness and a number of injuries saw them forfeit their matches.

The action turned up a notch in the men’s semi-finals however, as in a heated, physical and tactical encounter, France looked to have gotten the better of South Africa, only for the latter to score in the last play of the game, slotting home the conversion to grab a narrow 14-12 victory which earned them a spot in the final.

The home crowd rose to their feet in semi-final two as hosts Namibia took on Australia, who proved too strong for their African rivals, winning by a comfortable 33 points in a routine 38-5 win for the reigning champions.

The Namibian fans were again crushed as the home side went down 19-5 to France in the bronze medal match, yet remained in high spirits despite the loss, choosing to throw their support behind neighbours South Africa for the final.

In a rematch of their Pool C showdown, where the South Africans had to come from behind to secure a 26-14 win, South Africa were at their clinical best, slicing through the Australian defence with purpose and precision as they raced to a 19-0 half-time lead.

And despite two late tries in the second half, the Australians could not muster a comeback to defend their title, which in the end was wrestled away by the South Africans, who claimed a deserved 24-14 victory to be crowned champions, emulating their country’s senior team who had done the same in the world series earlier in the year. The southern African nation finished the tournament unbeaten, having won all five of their games across the three days, as they walked away with gold at the title of FISU WUC Rugby Sevens champions.

Day 3 results:

Women:

Men: