The opening matches of the Olympic 7s kicked off on Wednesday in Stade de France with Ireland facing South Africa and Japan in Day 1 and New Zealand in Day 2.
Match 5: Ireland 10 South Africa 5
This was an exciting first match for both sides with Ireland pulling away in the second half. The first score of the game was by South Africa’s Selvyn Davids. Terry Kennedy and Jordan Conroy both crossed the line for Ireland. Zac Ward had a promising game for the Irish side making plenty metres with some big carries.
ADVERTISEMENT
If you would like to advertise on this site contact john@thefrontrowunion.com
Match 11: Ireland 40 Japan 5
Despite the score line, Japan played an exciting and fast pace game. It was an unfortunate game for Japan only getting one score by Shotaro Tsuoka but it has to be said Ireland played very well with Niall Comerford, Zac Ward, Terry Kennedy, Chay Mullins (2) and Harry McNulty all crossing the line.
This left Ireland and New Zealand tied at the top of Pool A overnight with the final pool match and Pool decider to be played Thursday afternoon.
ADVERTISEMENT
If you would like to advertise on this site contact john@thefrontrowunion.com
Match 18: New Zealand 14 Ireland 12
Ireland battled out a 0 – 12 lead in the first half. A fired up Zac Ward went over for the opening try after 6 minute and he was followed by Jordan Conroy for their second a minute later. Mark Roche added the conversion.
New Zealand pulled back a score at the start of the second half with Leroy Carter going over in the first minute for Akuila Rokolisoa to convert to take the score to 7 – 12. As the clock ticked down Ngarohi McGarvey-Black finished off a break in the Irish 22 leaving Andrew Knewstubb with a conversion to take the game. The conversion was good leaving New Zealand top of the Pool after a 14 – 12 win.
Final Pool Standings
POOL A
| TEAM | P | W | D | PD | TD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 3 | 3 | 0 | 42 | 6 | 9 |
| Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 38 | 6 | 7 |
| South Africa | 3 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 3 | 5 |
| Japan | 3 | 0 | 0 | -107 | -15 | 3 |
New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa all qualified for the knock out stages with South Africa going through as the 2nd best 3rd place finish.
The draw for the Quarter Finals pitches Ireland up against reigning Olympic Champions Fiji.
M23 THUR 25th JULY 21:00 Quarter Final Fiji v Ireland
