Day two of the Olympic rugby sevens tournament at Paris 2024 delivered thrilling action and record-breaking attendance, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the men’s competition. A staggering 130,000 spectators filled the Stade de France across two sessions, creating an electric atmosphere and setting a new single-day attendance record for rugby sevens.

South Africa pulled off a stunning upset, defeating New Zealand, silver medalists from Tokyo, with a 14-7 victory built on a remarkable defensive effort. Hosts France delighted the home crowd with a 26-14 win over Argentina in a pulsating match that saw Antoine Dupont seal the victory with a last-minute try. Defending champions Fiji continued their unbeaten Olympic run, narrowly escaping a spirited Ireland challenge to win 19-15. Australia completed the semi-final lineup with a comprehensive 18-0 shutout of the USA, reaching their first-ever Olympic semi-final.

Earlier in the day, USA’s Perry Baker made history by becoming the first man to score four tries in a single Olympic match, bringing his total Olympic try count to nine and tying Carlin Isles for the all-time record.

The semi-finals are now set, with France facing South Africa and Fiji taking on Australia. These matches promise to be intense battles as the teams vie for a spot in the gold medal match. The tournament will take a break for the Opening Ceremony before resuming with the men’s finals on July 27, followed by the start of the women’s competition.

Here’s a recap of the key matches of Day Two:

Quarter-finals

Australia 13 v USA 0

Australia players ring the bell after the cup quarter final win over USA on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 25 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

Australia secured their first-ever Olympic rugby sevens semi-final berth with a dominant 18-0 victory over the USA. The Australians showcased a defensive masterclass, keeping the Americans scoreless. James Turner opened the scoring early, followed by Corey Toole’s try just before halftime to give Australia a 10-0 lead at the break. In the second half, Australia’s smothering defence kept the USA pinned in their own 22 for long periods. Maurice Longbottom sealed the win with a late penalty goal and a try after the final siren. Australia now faces two-time defending champions Fiji in the semi-finals, setting up a thrilling clash between two undefeated teams in the tournament.

Fiji 19 v Ireland 15

Fiji’s Iosefo Masi cuts through the defense for a try on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 25 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

Fiji maintained their perfect Olympic record with a thrilling 19-15 comeback victory over Ireland in the rugby sevens quarter-finals at the Stade de France. The two-time defending champions started strong with Iosefo Masi scoring in the first 30 seconds, but Ireland fought back with Chay Mullins scoring a double to lead 10-7 at halftime. Zac Ward extended Ireland’s lead to 15-7 early in the second half, putting Fiji under pressure. However, the Olympic champions showcased their resilience with Joji Nasova scoring a length-of-the-field try, followed by a crucial score from Waisea Nacuqu after an Irish error at the restart. Despite a late Irish push, Fiji’s defence held firm to secure their 16th consecutive Olympic victory and a semi-final berth. The loss ends Ireland’s medal hopes, while Fiji continues their quest for a third straight gold medal.

Argentina 14 v France 26

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France delighted the home crowd at Stade de France with a stunning 26-14 victory over Argentina in the Olympic rugby sevens quarter-finals. The hosts, who had a mixed pool stage, came out firing, with Andy Timo opening the scoring before Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang added a spectacular double to give France a commanding 21-0 halftime lead. Argentina fought back in the second half with tries from Rodrigo Isgro and Marcos Moneta, narrowing the gap to 21-14. However, France’s defence held firm, and superstar Antoine Dupont, coming off the bench, sealed the win with a try after the final siren. The victory, achieved in front of 70,000 euphoric fans, sets up a semi-final clash with South Africa and keeps the host nation’s gold medal hopes alive. The match was played against a backdrop of tension between the two countries, stemming from recent football-related incidents, adding extra emotion to France’s performance.

New Zealand 7 v South Africa 14

South Africa players celebrate the quarter final win over New Zealand on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 25 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

South Africa stunned New Zealand with a 14-7 victory in the Olympic rugby sevens quarter-finals, avenging their pool stage loss and securing a semi-final berth. The Blitzboks, who barely qualified for the knockout stages, took an early lead with tries from Selvyn Davids and Tristan Leyds, both converted by Leyds, to go up 14-0. New Zealand’s Moses Leo scored just before halftime to narrow the gap, but the second half became a defensive masterclass from South Africa. Despite relentless pressure from the All Blacks Sevens, including a four-phase stand on their own try line, the Blitzboks’ heroic defence held firm. Key moments included a crucial tackle and turnover by Shilton van Wyk and a late interception by Siviwe Soyizwapi to seal the victory. This upset eliminates New Zealand from medal contention and sets up a semi-final clash between South Africa and hosts France.

Round 3 matches

New Zealand 14 v Ireland 12

In a thrilling Pool A decider, New Zealand staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Ireland 14-12. Ireland dominated the first half, with Zac Ward and Jordan Conroy scoring tries to establish a 12-0 lead at the break. However, New Zealand rallied in the second half, starting with a quick try from Leroy Carter. The turning point came in the final minute when Ngarohi McGarvey-Black crossed the line, and Andrew Knewstubb’s crucial conversion sealed the victory for the All Blacks Sevens. Despite a strong Irish performance, including a disallowed try for Terry Kennedy, New Zealand’s late surge secured them the top spot in Pool A. The result sets up a quarter-final clash between New Zealand and South Africa, while Ireland will face defending champions Fiji in what promises to be a blockbuster knockout match.

South Africa 49 v Japan 5

Japan’s Kazuma Ueda cuts through the South Africa defense for a try on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 25 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

South Africa secured their place in the Olympic quarter-finals with a dominant 49-5 victory over Japan in their final Pool A match at the Stade de France. Needing to win by at least 21 points to advance, the Blitzboks delivered a ruthless performance, particularly in the first half where they built a commanding 35-0 lead. Zain Davids opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a relentless South African attack. Impi Visser, Ryan Oosthuizen (2), Rosko Specman, and Shilton van Wyk (2) all crossed the try line, with Ronald Brown and Tristan Leyds adding conversions. Japan managed a solitary try through Kazuma Ueda in the second half, but it did little to stem the South African onslaught. The comprehensive win, highlighted by Shilton van Wyk’s double, not only secured South Africa’s quarter-final berth but also set up a knockout clash with New Zealand.

France 12 v Fiji 19

Fiji’s Terio Veilawa launches an attack against the France defense on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 25 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

Fiji maintained their perfect Olympic record with a hard-fought 19-12 victory over hosts France in their final Pool C match. Despite a strong start from France, with Aaron Grandidier Nkanang scoring the opening try, Fiji’s captain, Jerry Tuwai, levelled the scores at 5-5 before halftime. The two-time defending champions showcased their class in the second half, with Kaminieli Rasaku and Joji Nasova crossing the line to build a 19-5 lead. France managed a late converted try, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Fiji’s dominance. The win played out in front of a passionate 60,000-strong French crowd, secures Fiji’s top spot in Pool C and sets up a quarter-final clash with Ireland. France, finishing second in the pool, will face Argentina in the knockout stages.

USA 33 v Uruguay 17

USA’s Perry Baker attacks against the Uruguay defense on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 25 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

In a crucial match to keep their Olympic medal hopes alive, the USA Men’s Sevens team secured a convincing 33-17 victory over Uruguay at the Stade de France. Perry Baker stole the show with a record-setting performance, becoming the first man to score four tries in an Olympic sevens match. The Eagles overcame an early scare, trailing 12-7 before Baker’s try just before halftime gave them a 14-12 lead they never relinquished. Lucas Lacamp added another try, while Stephen Tomasin was perfect with four conversions. Uruguay’s Baltazar Amaya scored twice and Bautista Basso once in a spirited effort. The second-half surge, where USA outscored Uruguay 19-5, proved decisive. This victory, coupled with France’s loss to Fiji, ensured USA’s qualification for the quarter-finals, where they will face Pool B winners Australia.

Australia 22 v Argentina 14

Australia’s Corey Toole attacks against the Argentina defense on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 25 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

In a stunning upset, the Australian men’s sevens team toppled Argentina 22-14 in their final Pool B match, securing top spot in their Olympic pool for the first time in history. Despite Argentina striking first through German Schulz, the game turned when Luciano Gonzalez received a yellow card for taking out Nathan Lawson. Australia capitalized with tries from Henry Hutchison and Ben Dowling to lead 10-7 at halftime. Dietrich Roache extended the lead after the break, but Matías Osadczuk kept Argentina in contention. The impact of substitutes Corey Toole and Mark Nawaqanitawase proved crucial, with the latter’s looping pass setting up captain Nick Malouf for the decisive try. This victory over the SVNS League Winners sets them up for a quarter-final against the top-ranked third-place finisher, while Argentina will likely face hosts France in the knockout stage.

Samoa 26 v Kenya 0

Samoa’s Tom Maiava cuts through the Kenya defense on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 25 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

Samoa secured their first victory in the Olympic Rugby Sevens tournament with a dominant 26-0 win over Kenya in their final Pool B match. Vaa Apelu Maliko opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a commanding Samoan performance. Paul Scanlan extended the lead after the break, capitalizing on a yellow card to Kenya’s Kevin Wekesa. Apelu Maliko added his second try late in the game before Steve Onosai sealed the emphatic victory with a final try after the buzzer. Samoa’s defence was impenetrable throughout, frustrating Kenya’s attempts to break through. Despite the convincing win, Samoa’s fate in the tournament remains uncertain due to earlier losses, as they hope to progress as one of the best third-placed teams. The result leaves Kenya at the bottom of Pool B, still seeking their first pool stage victory in Olympic rugby sevens history.