29 Jan 2023

NZ teams advance to Sydney Sevens semi-finals

1:58 pm on 29 January 2023

The All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens will contest semi-finals at the Sydney leg of the world series tonight.

Payton Spencer of New Zealand runs the ball during the Sydney Sevens men's pool B rugby match against Uruguay in Sydney.

Payton Spencer of New Zealand runs the ball during the Sydney Sevens men's pool B rugby match against Uruguay in Sydney. Photo: Photosport

The women's team maintained their unbeaten record for the week with a 33-0 hammering of Japan in the quarter-finals -- that match coming just hours after they beat the same opponents 27-10 in their final pool match.

Their semi-final opponents are an improving Ireland team while France and the United States square off on the other side of the draw.

The Black Ferns Sevens are out to make it three successive tournament wins and have looked impressive this week, having clocked pool wins over Papua New Guinea (48-0) and France (29-14) on Friday.

The New Zealand men were beaten 17-14 in their final pool game, going down to a late Blitzboks penalty shot at goal after both sides had scored two tries.

They bounced back with a tense 12-0 win over Samoa in the quarter-finals to set up a showdown with France. The other men's semi brings together Fiji and South Africa.

- RNZ