Semifinalists confirmed for Wellington sevens

New Zealand confirmed their favouritism for the international rugby sevens tournament in Wellington today after convincingly beating Samoa 26-14 in the quarterfinals.

The hosts meet South Africa in the semifinals after they scraped past Australia 19-15.

Fiji and Argentina clash in the other semifinal following wins over England 24-19 and Scotland 14-5 respectively in the earlier quarterfinal games at Westpac Stadium.

New Zealand started strongly when Tamati Ellison broke through some weak tackling after Samoa lost possession from the kickoff.

Roy Kinikinilau, who scored five tries yesterday, including four against Kenya, continued his good run when he cantered over the line shortly afterwards.

Orene Ai'i tormented the Samoans with his deft stepping and was rewarded with his second try of the tournament as New Zealand broke to a 19-0 halftime lead.

Ai'i continued to weave his magical footwork then threw a long ball to Kinikinilau who scored untouched early in the second spell.

Down 0-26, Samoa fired their first shot when David Lemi showed great pace and swerve to break the line and score from 60m.

New Zealand lost some more momentum when Ellison was sinbinned for an apparent high tackle and Samoa scored a converted try.

But the charge came too late and New Zealand still looked comfortable with just six men.

England were the first casualties in the quarterfinals, beaten by Fiji who bounced back from their loss to New Zealand last night.

A rampant Fiji streaked out to an early 12-0 lead, with Neumi Nanuku scoring twice as England were unable to break out of their own half.

Rob Thirley hit back with a carving run from 60m to close the halftime score to 12-7.

England, winners of the IRB sevens series opening tournament in Dubai, drew level early in the second half when Geoff Appleford crossed in the corner.

Fiji's dominance resumed when England spilt the ball under pressure in their 22 allowing the Islanders to score not once, but twice to seal the game at 24-12 before England replied with a consolation try.

Fiji face Argentina in the semifinals after they downed a spirited Scotland side 14-5.

Argentina, who finished their round robin play unbeaten, successfully employed their kick and chase tactics from yesterday as Javier Francisco just grounded the ball before it went dead.

Scotland scored through James Blackwood to narrow the deficit to two points at halftime.

The South Americans scored three minutes after the break, and managed to hold on in a scrappy end to the match.

South Africa needed a houdini act to reach the semifinals after beating a gallant Australian side 19-15.

Australia stung South Africa with two well taken tries but Gareth Krause finished a sweeping South African.

Up 10-7 in the second half, Shaun McKay scored his second try for Australia after a South African fumble and a big upset was looming until Derick Kuun finished a length of the field movement in the final minute dragging South Africa into the final four.

Semifinals: Fiji v Argentina, South Africa v New Zealand.

- NZPA