Rugby-South Africa, China book Sevens place in Paris
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The logo of Paris 2024 is seen on the Sacre-Coeur Basilica stairs painted with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games design, at the Butte Montmartre in Paris, France, April 17, 2024. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
South Africa have qualified for the men's Rugby Sevens competition at the Paris Olympics following a 14-5 victory over Britain in Sunday's final of the repechage qualification tournament being staged in Monaco.
Quewin Nortje and Shilton van Wyk scored first half tries for South Africa as they led by nine points at the break, with neither side able to add to their score in the second period.
South Africa, who were bronze medallists at the 2016 Olympics but finished fifth in Tokyo, had to go through the repechage tournament after they were stunned by Kenya in the final of the African qualifiers last September.
They have struggled for form since former coach Neil Powell left to join the Durban-based Sharks at the start of the 2022-23 United Rugby Championship season.
China qualified for the women’s competition in Paris earlier on Sunday following a 24-7 win over Kenya in their final.
Chen Keyi scored two tries as China dominated their opponents to qualify for back-to-back Olympics having finished seventh at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
They join 11 other countries in the women's field in Paris that includes defending champions New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Britain.
The Rugby Sevens competition at the Olympics is scheduled to run from July 24-30 at the Stade de France. REUTERS