Hosts France set up a clash against Fiji in the Gold Medal match after both sides claimed convincing wins in the semi-finals over South Africa (19-5) and Australia (31-7) respectively.

The first semi-final was a particularly tight affair to begin with as France struggled to make the most of early territory as some nervous mistakes cost them any progress. The defence of South Africa was also up to the task, making it difficult for Les Bleus.

It was the Blitzboks defence that eventually earned them field position late in the first half but the South Africans failed to capitalise with the game scoreless at the break.

The deadlock was broken early in the second half as South Africa did well to compound pressure which saw Tristan Leyds go over in the corner. The star would miss the conversion on his own try.

France did not wait around and kicked into gear immediately, responding with a Rayan Rebbadj try which he converted on his own. The Frenchman would not be kept quiet as he scored again just two minutes later – once again converting the try.

The hosts smelt blood and some quick thinking from Antoine Dupont saw Jordan Sepho go over for the final points of the game sealing the 19-5 win.

The XVs convert is just one game away from achieving his dream of winning gold in Paris, while he also gained some revenge on South Africa after their Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to the Springboks last year.

Flair-filled Fiji dominant

The second semi-final did not wait as long to get the first points on the board with Ben Dowling getting over for Australia after six minutes as Dietrich Roache converted.

The Fijians had enjoyed most of the dominance in the game in the first half but had little to show for it until the second period where they turned on the flair that has become synonymous with the country’s Sevens side.