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France reach SVNS Valladolid quarter-finals after nervy 19-14 win over USA

Les Bleus Sevens secured their place in the quarter-finals at SVNS Valladolid with a 19-14 victory over the USA, a result that left captain Paulin Riva on his knees in relief on the sideline. Tries from Antoine Zeghdar and a Yerim Fall double sealed the win at Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

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France reach SVNS Valladolid quarter-finals after nervy 19-14 win over USA
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France are through to the quarter-finals at SVNS Valladolid after defeating the USA 19-14 in a tense final-round pool match at Estadio Jose Zorrilla, with captain Paulin Riva visibly overcome with emotion on the sideline, falling to his knees as the final whistle sounded.

Riva had been watching from the sidelines as his side delivered when it mattered most. Antoine Zeghdar and Yerim Fall, who crossed twice, were the try-scorers for Les Bleus in a result that carries significance both for their knockout hopes in Valladolid and their standing in the overall top-eight race.

France had entered the tournament in eighth place on the SVNS ladder following the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, leaving their quarter-final spot far from guaranteed. The clash with the USA — a side also chasing competition points — was effectively a knockout match in pool-stage clothing.

“The Championship is very close, very difficult with 12 big teams,” Riva said in Valladolid. “We are happy to go into the quarter-finals because in Hong Kong it was very difficult for us, so let’s go.”

The stakes across the final three legs of the season are considerable. With the SVNS ladder resetting for the World Championship Series and four sides promoted from the second-tier SVNS 2, the 12 core teams are competing to finish in the top eight by season’s end. Those who do will retain core status in SVNS 1 for 2026/27; the bottom four face a relegation battle back through the second tier.

Elsewhere in Pool A, Australia topped the standings after a commanding 24-14 win over World Championship front-runners South Africa. Harry Wilson, Henry Hitchonson, Ben Dowling and Josh Turner all scored tries in a result that will serve as a statement from the Australians.

The quarter-final draw sets up a series of compelling ties. Australia face Kenya, with the winner meeting either New Zealand or Fiji in the semi-finals. Fiji’s path was complicated after a 14-12 defeat to Spain, which also secured the hosts’ place in the knockout rounds. Spain will now face South Africa in the third quarter-final, while Argentina and France meet for the remaining semi-final berth.

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