Rugby sevens: Waikato show their class

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Defending champions Waikato withstood a strong challenge from Otago in the final match of the day to emerge as one of four unbeaten teams at the national sevens rugby championship in Queenstown.

In warm conditions, Waikato, Auckland, Counties Manukau and Taranaki topped their pools with three wins from three in warm conditions in front of a healthy crowd.

Waikato's 22-17 defeat of the previously-unbeaten hosts set up a repeat of last year's final in tomorrow's quarterfinals, against Bay of Plenty.

Arguably the tournament favourites, Bay of Plenty were pipped 31-26 by Auckland in the match of the day, with the deadlock broken when New Zealand Bryce Heem sped around the defence in the final act.

Bay of Plenty crept past Canterbury 12-7 and hammered Manawatu but will need to find another gear against a Waikato side who impressed through the speed of Declan O'Donnell and Frank Halai in wins over Otago, Horowhenua Kapiti and North Otago.

Auckland, who unveiled a swag of classy youngsters led by Malakai Fetikoa and Iosua Timoteo, will be favoured to beat Otago first up tomorrow.

On the other side of the draw, the quarterfinals will pit Taranaki against Hawke's Bay and Counties Manukau against North Harbour.

The speedy Counties Manukau held on to beat Hawke's Bay 24-17 in their key pool match while Taranaki racked up three hard-fought wins, including a 21-10 defeat of North Harbour.

- NZPA