Australia on course for men's and women's double at home sevens
PERTH, Australia (AP) — Australia's men and women stayed in contention on Saturday to win their first rugby sevens titles at home since 2018.
The men started the day by losing their last pool game to Ireland but qualified for the Australia Sevens quarterfinals as one of the best third-place teams.
In the quarters, they avenged a pool loss to the United States in a thumping 31-7 win.
Australia set up a semifinal against Fiji, which overcame New Zealand 21-14 in their pool then edged South Africa 14-12 in the quarters. Fiji came from behind twice and Rere Ropate scored the match-winner while South Africa's James Murphy was in the sin-bin.
The other semifinal on Sunday pits series front-runner Argentina against Ireland.
A Marcos Moneta hat trick led Argentina past Spain 28-17 in their quarterfinal, and Ireland beat France late 21-14.
The Australian women ended New Zealand's 20-win streak in Australia in the quarterfinals by 24-14. Both teams had a player red-carded in the first half. Australia led 12-0, New Zealand rallied for 14-12, but Australia finished with two tries to advance.
Australia faces the United States in the semifinals, and Britain will play Ireland.
___
AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
