Wins over China and Japan have propelled the Black Ferns Sevens into the Cape Town world series semifinals, but the NZ men have been dumped out of contention by the abbreviated format in South Africa.
Contested in four groups of three and no quarterfinals, only the winners of each pool stay alive in the tournament beyond the opening day. The All Blacks Sevens drew Olympic champions France and lost 47-15 to fade from the picture.
No such problems for the women, who overwhelmed the Chinese 40-10, with Mahina Paul and Risi Pouri-Lane both notching up try doubles. The Kiwis then had to rally from behind against much-improved Japan, with tries to captain Sarah Hirini and Manaia Nuku providing the 22-12 winning margin.
They now face France, whom they also beat in the Dubai semis last week. The French overcame Ireland and Spain in their pool, while Australia cruised past Canada and Brazil into the final four, where they come up against USA.
Australia beat two-time Olympic champions NZ in the Dubai final.
Among the men, New Zealand edged USA to stay in contention for fifth place — they take on Great Britain next.
Last week's event was contested across three groups of four, with the top two and two best third-placegetters progressing to quarterfinals. The All Blacks Sevens lost to Spain and Fiji in poolplay, but squeezed through to the next stage, where they accounted for South Africa to reach the semis.
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