Sevens: NZ sets up Aussie semifinal showdown

Soseni Anesi (R) of New Zealand sprints for the try line. Phil Walter / Getty Images

New Zealand blasted past Canada 24-0 in the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens quarterfinals in Melbourne today to set up a mouth-watering meeting with Australia in the semifinals.

The two-time defending champions scored two tries in each half to cap another abrasive performance at Telstra Dome in which the Canadians were never allowed to settle against an aggressive defence.

The semifinal shaped as a clash of styles after the Australian side boosted by Wallabies stars ran South Africa off their feet in the second quarterfinal. They scored four tries in a 20-7 win and will provide New Zealand with their first genuine test of the tournament.


Gold medal favourites Fiji were to meet England in the other semifinal.


The Fijians were comfortable 26-7 winners over Wales but England had to hold off a storming finish from Samoa before winning 17-14.


Canada were on the back foot early when a Cory Jane break created room for Tamati Ellison to score in the third minute.

New Zealand were forced onto defence for the rest of the half, Ellison saving a try with a tackle on a fleeing Michael Strubin before Soseni Anesi crossed on the stroke of halftime. He threw an outrageous dummy before scampering 70m up the touchline to score.

There was a scare early in the second half when Anesi went down for the second time in the match with a blow to the head. The first was a head clash with Ellison, the second while attempting a tackle on robust Canadian Adam Kleeberger.

Anesi played on but was replaced late in the game after Ellison and Jane had wrapped the result up with tries.

Watched on closely by New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens, Lote Tuqiri and Matt Giteau played key roles in Australia's upset win.

A third Wallaby, Chris Latham, was a doubtful starter for the semifinal after leaving the game with a rib injury.

Result:

New Zealand 24 (Tamati Ellison 2, Sosene Anesi, Cory Jane tries; Amasio Valence con, Cory Jane con)

Canada 0. Halftime: 12-0.

- NZPA