The All Blacks Sevens have lost their hopes of a Paris Olympics gold medal after being defeated 14-7 by South Africa in the quarter-finals.
The New Zealanders had previously defeated South Africa 17-5 in pool play. The South Africans, who finished seventh in this year’s Sevens world series, also lost to Ireland in pool play.
The All Blacks Sevens were considered one of New Zealand’s strong medal hopes, but their best hope is fifth place. South Africa capitalized on mistakes in the first half, scoring two converted tries before Moses Leo scored a dazzling try late in the half.
The New Zealanders attacked strongly in the second half but could not breach the try line. They had come from 12-0 down to beat Ireland 14-12 in their last pool game at the Paris Olympics.
In the second half, New Zealand dominated play, with Leroy Carter scoring an early try and Ngarohi McGarvey-Black levelling the scores.
Click to read more about Rugby
