China’s women stormed onto the global rugby sevens circuit following a comprehensive dismantling of Belgium at the HSBC SVNS Series grand finals in Madrid. The Chinese won tight encounters with hosts Spain, and Japan, before thumping Poland for a perfect pool campaign. Their group clean sweep set up a playoff with Belgium for a spot in next year’s elite series.
First-half tries from Ma Xiaodan and Yang Feifei, both converted by Chen Keyi, put China in charge. Hu Yu crossed twice after half-time, and Sun Yue’s score emphasised the Asians’ superiority in a crushing 33-0 victory. France, meanwhile, claimed the men’s championship crown to send an ominous warning to rivals hoping to prevent a home success at next month’s Paris Olympics.
The irrepressible Antoine Dupont took the final away from Argentina, after coming off the bench with France leading 7-5. Stephen Parez-Edo Martin had crossed following Luciano Gonzalez’s sixth-minute try, setting the stage for France scrum-half Dupont, who has switched to sevens for an Olympic gold medal quest, to come on and steal the show. Jefferson-Lee Joseph’s try gave France breathing space, before player-of-the-tournament Dupont’s quick feet and sharp pass ushered in Paulin Riva to complete a 19-5 win.
Argentine wing Rodrigo Isgro was shown a red card, as the South Americans’ excellent season, which featured three tournament victories to claim top spot in the league standings, finished on a sour note. Dupont had been equal.
