Los Pumas 7 Advance to Madrid Sevens Final After Defeating New Zealand

Los Pumas 7, Argentina's rugby sevens team, has advanced to the final of the Madrid Sevens tournament after a thrilling 21-14 victory over New Zealand in the semifinal match. This win marks a significant achievement for the team as they prepare to face France in the final.

The semifinal match began with New Zealand taking an early lead, scoring the first try through Joe Webber just two minutes into the game. Argentina quickly responded with a try from Matteo Graziano, who received a pass from Álvarez and broke through the center to level the score.

New Zealand regained the lead with a second try, making it 14-7. However, Argentina fought back, with Graziano scoring his second try just before the end of the first half, assisted by Santiago Mare, to level the score at 14-14.

In the second half, Los Pumas withstood New Zealand's attacks until Graziano scored his third try with three minutes remaining, putting Argentina ahead for the first time in the match at 21-14. The score remained unchanged until the final whistle, securing Argentina's place in the final.

Los Pumas 7 will face France in the final match of the Madrid Sevens tournament, scheduled to take place at 15:26 on Sunday. France defeated Fiji 21-14 in the other semifinal match.

This victory is particularly significant for Argentina, as New Zealand is the reigning Olympic champion. The win also highlights the team's resilience and determination, especially given the absence of key players such as Tute Osadczuk and Marcos Moneta.

Matteo Graziano, who played a crucial role in the victory, expressed his enthusiasm after the match: "It was crazy, a great match. We started losing and managed to turn it around. " Coach Santiago Gómez Cora also praised the team's effort, stating, "It's incredible to see the players' reactions on the pitch. We're a convinced team. We knew the first minutes would be very intense, and we had to be close to the score or tied."

Los Pumas 7 have had an impressive run in the Madrid Sevens tournament, winning all their matches in the group stage, including victories over Great Britain, France, and Australia. They have already secured the top spot in the World Rugby Sevens Series ranking with 106 points.

The final match against France will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and streamed on the Star platform. This tournament marks the last participation of the Argentine selection before the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they aim to improve on their bronze medal finish at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

As Los Pumas 7 prepare for the final, their victory over New Zealand serves as a tribute to their skill and determination. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, the team's performance in Madrid is a promising indicator of their potential for success on the global stage.

Key Takeaways

• Los Pumas 7 defeat New Zealand 21-14 in Madrid Sevens semifinal.
• Matteo Graziano scores 3 tries to lead Argentina to victory.
• Los Pumas 7 advance to final against France, scheduled for 15:26 on Sunday.
• Argentina secures top spot in World Rugby Sevens Series ranking with 106 points.
• Final match against France will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and streamed on Star platform.