Day two of the Olympic Rugby Men's Sevens produced more entertaining games, with Japan continuing their remarkable progress to reach the semi finals, and Great Britain and Argentina playing out a thrilling 0-0 draw, before a Golden Point try to decide the winner.
Fiji, Japan, Great Britain and South Africa have all qualified for the semi-finals, keeping their dreams of a gold medal alive as a magnificent competition heads into its final day.
With the prospect of winning the first men's Olympic medals in 92 years adding extra motivation there was no sign of the morning session's drama relenting, with four high-quality matches despite the wet conditions, demonstrating the sublime skill of the world's top men's players.
Fiji 12-7 New Zealand
On a day of unforgettable moments, HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series champions Fiji, seeking their country's first Olympic Games medal, were pushed all the way by world champions New Zealand in a tense affair, eventually prevailing 12-7 to keep their dreams of gold alive.
Japan 12-7 France
Japan's incredible Olympic Games journey continued with a remarkable 12-7 win over a France side they had only defeated six times in the last 21 encounters. Victory was secured with the last play of the game through Teruya Goto's try.
Their heroics have captured the hearts of a nation and firmly placed rugby back in the headlines in Japan, 10 months after their Rugby World Cup 2015 feats and ahead of Tokyo 2020.
Great Britain 0-0 Argentina (5-0 after extra time)
Dan Bibby was Great Britain's hero after scoring a sudden-death try in extra-time after his side had played out a tense, but compelling 0-0 draw. The result could very easily have gone the other way.
Argentina were awarded a penalty at the end of normal time, but captain Gaston Revol's attempt drifted wide of the posts.
South Africa 22-5 Australia
South Africa booked their place in the semi-finals after defeating Australia 22-5. Tries by Seabelo Senatla and Rosko Specman in the first half and Kyle Brown and Senatla after the interval wrapped-up a win that sets-up a semi-final against Great Britain.
Semi-finals
- Fiji v Japan
- Great Britain v South Africa
Earlier in the session, USA defeated Brazil 24-12 to progress to the ninth place play-off, where they will face Spain, who overcame Kenya 14-12. Brazil and Spain will contest the 11th place play-off.
credit: worldrugby
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