Canadian women beat host France to advance to semifinal in Olympic rugby 7s
The Canadian Press | Posted: July 29, 2024 3:19 PM | Last Updated: July 29
Chloe Daniels scores winning try with 53 seconds remaining in 2nd half
Canada remains in the medal hunt in Olympic women's rugby sevens after downing host France 19-14 in Monday's quarterfinals.
Chloe Daniels scored the winning try with 53 seconds remaining in the second half and the Canadians thwarted a late French attack to secure a spot in the semifinal.
Piper Logan scored two tries for Canada, while captain Olivia Apps contributed a conversion.
"This crowd is incredible to play I front of, whether they were with us or against us. It was really incredible to play tonight," said Logan. "I feel very happy and privileged to be here. To win a medal would mean everything. We've been waiting for this one for quite a while.
Daniels was 1-for-2 on conversion attempts, with her one miss coming on her winning try.
"It is really hard to find the words at the moment," said France's Seraphine Okemba. "It is heartbreaking. We did not do our job, our mission, so I am really disappointed."
The Canadians advanced to the quarterfinal game by closing out group play with a 26-17 win over China earlier on Monday.
"We won bronze in Rio and fell short in Tokyo. But you've seen the growth in the last few years and we are here to take a medal," Logan said.
WATCH | Full match replay: Canada vs. France
Hope is to 'grow the game' in Canada
Canada has a semifinal date on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET with undefeated Australia, which hammered Ireland 40-7 in Monday's quarterfinal.
Medal matches are set for later on Tuesday.
"Hopefully, grow the game," Logan said of what the team's success will do for rugby sevens in Canada. "There are a lot of girls interested, but this is just the beginning of it.
"I am small, not like some of these big, strong girls, but I think I can show that this is really a sport for everyone. We hope to inspire some young girls to play some rugby."
Record-breaking New Zealand to face Americans
New Zealand brushed past China with a record 55-5 victory to set up the other semifinal with the United States after they fought back to beat Britain 17-7 in the second quarterfinal.
Defending champions New Zealand have barely needed to get out of second gear to reach the semi-finals, with three hefty pool wins earning them a last eight clash with outsiders China, who they battered 43-5 on Sunday.
Earlier on Monday, Charity Williams scored two tries as Canada beat China 26-17 to secure second place in Pool A.
WATCH | Full match replay: Canada vs. China