20/08/2014

 

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Youth Olympic Games Rugby Sevens Gold Medal Finals Set

 

 

 

IOC President Thomas Bach joined players and children for the Rugby Sevens sports initiation programme running alongside the competitions

 

• Women: Australia v Canada to play for gold, China and USA for bronze
• Men: Argentina to face France for gold, Fiji to play Kenya for bronze
• IOC President Bach in attendance as Sevens rocks Nanjing

The medal finals for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games Rugby Sevens events have been confirmed after captivating semi-finals in the men’s and women’s competitions in Nanjing.

IOC President Thomas Bach was present to witness another action-packed session of thrills, spills and tries as the Chinese women again delighted a large and vocal home crowd.

Australia face Canada in the women’s gold medal match

The first Rugby Sevens gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games will be won by either Australia or Canada on Wednesday, while China and USA will compete for bronze.

Australia sailed through their semi-final, defeating USA 33-7 in what was a very impressive performance that signalled intent ahead of the final.

The upset of the day came when China, one of the standout teams of the tournament, were defeated 26-12 by Canada.

For Canada, the victory capped an event that has seen them improve with each performance and they will be relishing a final against the Australians.

Spain claimed fifth place after defeating Tunisia 35-5.

AUDIO: AUSTRALIA'S DOM DU TOIT ON REACHING THE GOLD MEDAL MATCH >>

Australia had earlier topped the standings with a perfect record after beating Canada 21-5 in their final pool match. China, who beat Spain 45-0, were second ahead of Canada and USA. The latter was tied on eight points with Spain, but edged their rivals by a point differential of just one.

Final pool standings 
1. Australia – 15 points
2. China – 13 points
3. Canada – 111 points
4. USA – 8 points
5. Spain – 8 points
6. Tunisia – 5 points

The medal matches will be played at 09:00 (bronze) and 10:00 (gold) local time.

Argentina to meet France in men’s gold medal match

The men’s gold medal match will be between Argentina and France, while Kenya and Fiji will come face to face in the bronze medal match.

Argentina maintained their excellent form in Nanjing, defeating Kenya 19-12. They were pushed all the way by a spirited and determined Kenya team, who will turn their attention to bronze.

France also saved their best until last, producing a sublime performance of pace, power and precision to defeat Fiji 34-12 in the second semi-final.

AUDIO: SERGE BETSEN ON FRANCE REACHING THE GOLD MEDAL MATCH >>

USA claimed fifth place after a 29-12 win over Japan.

The race to join already qualified Argentina and France in the semi-finals proved a close run affair with Kenya's 17-12 victory over Fiji ensuring that three teams were tied on nine points at the end of the pool stages. With points difference to determine the sides it was Fiji and Kenya who remained in the hunt for a medal in Nanjing.

Men’s pool standings after day two
1. Argentina – 15 points
2. France – 13 points
3. Fiji – 9 points
4. Kenya – 9 points
5. Japan - 9 points
6. USA – 5 points

The medal matches will be played at 09:30 (bronze) and 10:30 (gold) local time on Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FIXTURES & RESULTS >

On a day of celebration, the competition was played in the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games. All the teams were given fantastic support and warm welcomes, while the teams who bowed out after the fifth place play-offs were given standing ovations.

AUDIO: BERNARD LAPASSET ON THE YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES >>

IRB President Bernard Lapasset said: “While the focus has been on the medal race, the real winner is most definitely the Youth Olympic Games.”

“Our Youth Olympic Games debut has been an incredible experience, and for our young players it will not just live in the memory, but will shape the men and women that they become.”

“This Rugby Sevens competition has embodied the Youth Olympic Games ideals of fair play and camaraderie and it has been great to see the interaction between the teams.”

VIEW THE NANJING 2014 RESULTS AND SCHEDULE HERE>>

Every try, tackle and pass from the men’s and women’s Rugby Sevens events at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games will be available live and on demand at Olympic.tv.

VIEW THE IRB'S NEW SEVENS VIDEO HERE>>

Fans can follow all the action and join the conversation @IRBSevens.