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CWG Sevens: Semi-finals decided in Delhi

Tuesday 12 October 2010 (UR7s & Photo AP)

Nick Jordan in Delhi

Click here for live UR7s Twitter updates from the ground.

MEDAL SEMI FINALS:
New Zealand 33 England 12
Australia 17 South Africa 7

Defending champions New Zealand will need to get past a bouyant England in the semi finals of the Commonwealth Games if they are to challenge for a fourth gold medal.

"Bring it on," said England captain Ben Gollings after their titanic struggle against Samoa.

A Greg Barden try and Gollings conversion gave England a 7-5 win over the IRB Sevens champions, who now drop out of medal contention.

Australia, who beat Kenya 27-5, will face South Africa in the other semi-final although Scotland came close to causing a boilover in the last minute of their quarter-final, going down 10-7.

In the opening tie New Zealand ran away to beat Wales 31-10 after leading 7-5 at half time, and dual tryscorer Ben Smith said it was great to have a win.

"We probably missed a few opportunities in the first half but I think we made up for it in the second," said the Sevens convert who toured with the All Blacks in 2009. "It's a great environment to be in and I'm enjoying it.

"We're looking forward to the semi final, we'll rest up and do some analysis and then get into it."

Kurt Baker, Hosea Gear and Toby Arnold were the other Kiwi tryscorers while Ifan Evans and Aaron Shingler crossed for Wales.

Barden said a two-point win was as good as 20 for England.

"It was a long day yesterday so we did as much recovery work as we can but that was exhausting as it's quite hot out there!"

The midday temperatures have reached 30 degrees Celsius and a sizeable crowd has enjoyed the world's best Sevens teams.

"We have a few things to work on now so we'll go and adjust that and look forward to the next game," said Barden.

New Zealand defeated England in the final at Melbourne 2006 and have a 17-10 record in knockout play against them in major Sevens tournaments.

Australia stepped up a gear to eliminate Kenya 27-5 with captain James Stannard grabbing two tries whilst Lavin Asego was in the sin bin. Shaun Foley, Luke Morahan and Nick Cummins also scored for the yellow shirts.

Coach Michael O'Connor was very happy with his team.

"Our defence was outstanding and we didn't give them any time and space. I was proud of the way the boys handled that," he said. "Our decision making and execution is getting better as is our collective understanding."

O'Connor was coy on the fitness of Bernard Foley, who missed the match with injury, and was pleased to be playing South Africa.

"We've got a good record against them, wining four out of four last season, but that doesn't count for anything today."

Opponents South Africa snuck a win against Scotland with tries to Paul Delport and Ryno Benjamin. Mike Adamson scored Scotland's only try.

"We just didn't have the ball," said a frustrated Delport. "It was difficult to get our structures right so we are just thankful for the win. It doesn't get any easier and we definitely have to step up if we're going to have a chance in the semi-final."

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Related articles:

CMW Games Sevens: Quarter-final preview

QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

MEDAL
New Zealand 31 Wales 10
England 7 Samoa 5
Australia 27 Kenya 5
South Africa 10 Scotland 7

BOWL
Canada 43 India 10
Uganda 26 Malaysia 14
Papua New Guinea 26 Sri Lanka 12
Tonga 21 Guyana 14

FIXTURES

MEDAL SEMI FINALS
New Zealand v England
Australia v South Africa

PLATE SEMI FINALS
Wales v Samoa
Kenya v Scotland

BOWL SEMI FINALS
Canada v Uganda
Papua New Guinea v Tonga

Nick Jordan is in Delhi thanks to Herbalife, nutrition for a better life.


 

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