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London Sevens: New Zealand and Samoa unbeaten heading into quarterfinals at Twickenham

  • New Zealand’s men extend winning streak to 23 matches in brushing aside United States, Great Britain, and South Africa at Twickenham
  • Samoa, Australia set for Sunday showdown over fifth and last automatic qualification spot at the Paris Olympics

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A fox is seen running on the pitch during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at Twickenham Stadium. Photo: dpa

With the world series won, New Zealand’s men showed no sign of letting up while powering into the London Sevens quarterfinals at Twickenham on Saturday.

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The Kiwis clinched the series last weekend in Toulouse while winning a third straight leg, with their women’s side making it a double.

New Zealand’s men extended their winning streak to 23 matches in brushing aside the United States 35-17, hosts Great Britain 20-5 and South Africa 32-21 before a sun-warmed crowd of 50,000 in London.

Samoa were the only other side to go through their pool unbeaten.

Among Samoa’s results was a 24-14 victory over Australia. Samoa and Australia are vying for the fifth and last automatic qualification berth at the Paris Olympics next year. Australia will get it by reaching the semi-finals. Samoa might have to win the London Sevens.

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Australia will have to go through Fiji in the quarterfinals on Sunday. Samoa face Britain. New Zealand play France, and Argentina meet Ireland.

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