7SWGPS: semifinalists unveiled as day 2 unfolds

Pairs of semifinalists were determined in the first half of Day 2 at the 1st leg of the Rugby Europe Women's Sevens Grand Prix Series in Kazan. In the upcoming dramatic semifinals, Team Russia will clash against Great Britain 1 whereas the French team will face off Ireland.

One of the leaders of Team Great Britain 1, Heather Fisher, found some time to reveal her expectations of rivals and shared her thoughts about the management of the Kazan tournament.

When asked to comment on the quartefinal match against Great Britain 2, Fisher said: "No matter what we should always respect our opponent. The things are a little bit different when we know each other. Any way it was a tough game. And we are going to have another tough game in the semifinal against the Russian team."

"Games against Russia are always difficult. Just like in the match against Great Britain 2, we will have to confont strong rivals - the Russian team has good, physically strong runners. But this game is very important in the lead-up to the Olympics," the British rugby player said.

In her feedback regarding the tournament management in Kazan, Fisher said: "It's my second tournament in Kazan, but I play at this stadium for the first time. The grass is very good here. The tournament management is also great."

"Rugby is a very interesting game that you can start playing at any age. Just like any other sport, it builds a character. You learn many life lessons in sports. This is something fantastic."

Quarterfinal match results:

France – Netherlands, 17-0 (5-0)

Russia – Portugal, 28-5 (14-5)

Great Britain 1 – Great Britain 2, 24-5 (12-0)

Ireland – Spain, 19-10 (12-5).