2024 Paris Olympic Games: Antoine Dupont solo try seals dramatic France Rugby Sevens win, South Africa stun All Blacks

Antoine Dupont stole the headlines again with a late try to seal France's Rugby Sevens quarter-final win over Argentina at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The hosts will play South Africa in the semi-finals after they got the better of New Zealand, while Olympic champions Fiji will take on Australia with a place in the final on the line.

'Who else?' - Solo magic from Dupont seals France win in fiery clash with Argentina

Video credit: TNT Sports

Antoine Dupont's France beat Argentina 26-14 in a charged atmosphere at the Stade de France to reach the Rugby Sevens semi-finals.

The hosts raced into a commanding first-half lead when Andy Timo powered forward to score, before Aaron Grandidier Nkanang proved too quick moments later.

Moments before half-time, Grandidier scored a spectacular try on the right flank, leaping over the line and celebrating wildly.

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Argentina needed an improvement after the break and they got one, Rodrigo Isgro speeding away from everyone in the centre and briefly quieting the vocal crowd.

Jordan Sepho’s yellow card meant France were left holding onto their lead late in the second half. Marcos Moneta quickly took advantage, scoring to bring Argentina to within seven points of Les Blues.

But Dupont’s arrival from the bench gave France the necessary composure to navigate the final moments with six players, and it was the star man who produced a moment of solo brilliance to finish the job in the dying seconds and send the home fans into raptures.

France's Antoine Dupont runs with the ball to score a try during the men's quarter final rugby sevens match between Argentina and France during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on July 25, 2024.

Image credit: Getty Images

Ireland left heartbroken by fantastic Fiji

Defending Olympic champions Fiji produced a stunning late comeback to deny Ireland a memorable victory and secure their place in the semi-finals with a 19-15 victory.

Fiji wasted little time in the opening stages, getting the game’s first try within a minute as Iosefo Masikau ran clear.

But Ireland hit back quickly when Chay Mullins managed to touch down under pressure from three white shirts.

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And Ireland’s momentum continued towards the end of the first half. A swift move out to the left flank ended with another strong finish from Mullins to put the men in green ahead.

Their lead was further extended after the break after a superb, flowing move was finished off by Zac Ward, who did well to sneak over the line in the far left corner.

But Fiji were never going to be beaten easily. Two quick tries from Joji Nasova and Waisea Nacuqu turned the game on its head and kept the reigning champions in contention for another gold medal.

Players of Fiji celebrate as Mark Roche #4 of Team Ireland looks dejected following defeat during the Men's Rugby Sevens Quarter-Final match between Fiji and Ireland at Stade de France on July 25, 2024 in Paris, France.

Image credit: Getty Images

Stubborn Springboks hold on to beat New Zealand

New Zealand were silver medalists at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but they were left heartbroken in Paris after a 14-7 defeat to a resilient South Africa side.

South Africa started the fastest of the two teams and led when captain Selvyn Davids powered through the New Zealand defence to score.

Davids was instrumental in his side’s second try, too, using his pace to latch onto a long kick before offloading cleverly to Tristan Leyds, who calmly strode over the line.

'Look at the pace!' - Davids puts on the afterburners to land South Africa's match-winning try

Video credit: TNT Sports

Inevitably, though, there was a response from the Kiwis: Moses Leo received the ball on the left flank and surged forward to score and keep New Zealand in the contest.

Some heroic South Africa defending kept New Zealand at bay late in the second half and proved enough to send the Blitzboks into the semi-finals.

Australia cruise past USA

Australia advanced to the semi-finals for the first time in their history with a comfortable 18-0 victory over USA.

After a slow start, Australia took advantage of some ill-discipline from USA, who strayed offside and were caught out by a quick restart. The ball was worked swiftly out to James Turner, who finished off the move on the left flank.

'We'll take it to them' - Australia captain Malouf bullish ahead of Fiji semi-final

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Corey Toole added a second try for the Wallabies on the stroke of half-time, and the job was completed late in a scrappy second half courtesy of a try from Maurice Longbottom.

Samoa and Kenya set up battle for 9th

The four teams that missed out on a place in the quarter-finals were in action to begin the evening, with Samoa facing Japan and Uruguay taking on Kenya in the battle to finish as the best of the rest.

Samoa were emphatic winners against Japan, scoring six tries to win 42-7. Kenya, meanwhile, were tested far more by Uruguay, who led early on but succumbed to a Patrick Odongo try in a 19-14 defeat.

'He is a superstar!' - Odongo runs home sensational golden try for Kenya

Video credit: TNT Sports

Samoa and Kenya will now meet on Saturday to decide who takes 9th place in the final standings.

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