7SWGPS 2018: Russia VS France to meet in the final
Day 2 of the Rugby Europe Women’s Sevens Grand Prix Series in Kazan stirred no sensation – Russia and France meet in the final match. Both sides came up to the fans’ expectations – the Russians got a chance to bounce back after their loss and defend their title of the European champions, and the French probably wanted to reaffirm the success they had celebrated in the previous head-to-head encounter.
The major favourites of the tournament confidently won their first quarterfinal games – Team France defeated Spain (31-0), the Russians beat the Italians (37-0). Poland and Scotland made through to the final, as well. The former outplayed Team Belgium (22-12), the latter snatched victory in the battle against Ireland, taking just a two-point lead (17-15). Thus, these squads made the semifinal pairings – France vs Scotland and Russia vs Poland. In the consolation round the English side achieved their first victory. The rugby players showed a mediocre performance in the group stage, but got angry and took Team Portugal to pieces by a 57-0 thrashing scoreline. Wales had no difficulty in taking on Germany (40-7).
The morning session began with Spain vs Ireland. Both teams did not compete for the medals, but it was still a fierce fight. Two tries and two conversions helped Team Ireland to become the winner of the duel. In the quarterfinals of the consolation round the Italians came up against the Belgian team. At first, Team Italy was ahead, but the opponent managed to close the gap. In the second half the Italian side earned points, so Belgium fell victim to the bite one minute before the end of the match. 17-7 enabled the Italians to compete for the fifth place of the tournament.
In the first semifinal France vs Scotland played fiercely on the pitch. As the favourites, the French pushed forward, but the Scots showed their indomitable will by executing a conversion after the regulation time was over. The difference was just two points, and in case of a successful conversion the match would have continued overtime. The Scottish players failed to make up for a two-point deficit, so France became the first finalist of the Kazan leg of the European championship. The Russians won the second berth into the final with no pains. The hosting team played the semifinal against Team Poland with ease, scoring 39 points. In the match for the eleventh place Germany whitewashed Portugal, reaching their first triumph in the tournament. The ninth position was awarded by Team Wales, who was stronger than England (12-5).