Olympic Rugby Sevens: China shock Fiji while New Zealand and Australia among unbeaten sides on Day One

Adam Kyriacou 28 Jul 2024 9:17 PM

China stunned Fiji on Day One of the women’s Rugby Sevens while New Zealand, Australia, France and the USA finished with two wins out of two in Paris on Sunday.

The big story of the day was that 40-12 victory for China over the reigning Bronze medallists at Tokyo 2020, which leaves them joint second in Pool A alongside Canada.

They will face off against the North Americans on Monday while Pool A leaders New Zealand will be looking to make it three victories from three against the Fijianas.

Australia impress

Elsewhere, Australia top Pool B after overcoming South Africa 34-5 and Great Britain 36-5, with the latter and Ireland locked on four points apiece in second position.

In Pool C it’s France and the USA sitting pretty on six points each after the pair saw off Japan and Brazil respectively on a memorable day of women’s action in Paris.

Indeed, a new record women’s rugby attendance was set as 66,000 fans packed Stade de France for Day One of the Olympic Games women’s rugby sevens competition.

Sunday’s results mean that Australia, France, New Zealand and the USA have confirmed their quarter-final spots with a game to spare after their impressive efforts.

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The action continues on Monday with the final round of pool fixtures from 14:00 local time before the quarter-finals kick off at 20:00 ahead of finals day on Tuesday.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “After a scintillating men’s competition at these special coming of age Games for Rugby Sevens, it is fitting that yet another record has been smashed.

“With the world’s best women’s sevens players shining brightly on sport’s biggest stage, 66,000 fans were gripped by the action, while an unprecedented broadcast and digital audience will ensure that more young people in more nations and communities will be inspired by these awesome athletes, who are amongst the best in the world in sport.”