Rugby sevens: NZ face Australia in quarters

Buxton Popoalii of New Zealand scores a try on day two. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand overcame a resolute Wales 26-5 to set up a semi-final against Australia at the Wellington sevens rugby tournament today.

The hosts, impressive in beating pool rivals Argentina on last night, struggled against a determined Wales side who harried and harassed their more favoured opponents.

Leading 14-5 at the break after tries to Tim Mikkelson and Declan O'Donnell, New Zealand were put under pressure on a number of occasions and it took further tries to O'Donnell and substitute Buxton Popoalii to make the game safe.

The sole reward for Wales' endeavours was a try to Gareth Davies.

New Zealand, who have not won their home tournament since 2008, face their trans-Tasman neighbours later tonight after Australia edged past South Africa 14-7.

Defending champions Fiji, who had looked in stellar form on the first day, were dumped out of contention by Samoa 12-5 in a hard-fought match. Two first half tries to Afa Aiono were enough for Samoa to upset the form book and their cause was aided by the sending off of Fiji's Seremaia Burotu early in the second half.

Samoa will tackle England in their semi-final after the world series leaders downed Argentina 14-7.

Quarter-final Cup: England 14 Australia 7, Fiji 5 Samoa 12, Australia 14 South Africa 7, New Zealand 26 (Declan O'Donnell 2, Tim Mikkelson, Buxton Popoalii tries; Tomasi Cama 2 con, Popoalii con) Wales 5 (Gareth Davies try).

Quarter-final Bowl: United States 7 Scotland 24, Canada 14 Kenya 19, Tonga 21 France 19, Papua New Guinea 10 Cook Islands 22.

- NZPA