South Africa, Uganda, and Argentina book semi-final places in Stellenbosch.

The second day of the 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens in Stellenbosch produced another day of high-quality rugby, with South Africa, Uganda and Argentina finishing top of their respective pools and securing their places in Sunday’s semi-finals at the Danie Craven Stadium. South Africa was particularly impressive in front of their home crowd, powering past Chile 45-5, while Uganda completed an unbeaten pool campaign with a 14-7 victory over Japan, and Argentina edged Australia 12-7 to finish Pool C unbeaten.

The semi-finals promise to be another intriguing day of rugby, with South Africa facing Japan and Uganda meeting Argentina as the four remaining sides chase a place in Sunday’s final.

Check the Day 3 fixtures here: https://fisu.sportscap.co.za/integrations/fixtures?id=13&tournamentId=609&hidebackButton=true

Argentina edge Australia in Pool C
Argentina opened the day with a hard-fought 12-7 victory over Australia to finish top of Pool C.

Australia made the better start and enjoyed much of the early possession, with Zander Esterhuizen crossing for the opening try and Milo Plastow adding the conversion. The Australians were dealt a blow when both Plastow and Aidan Wearne were shown yellow cards for professional offences, allowing Argentina to take advantage of the numerical superiority.

Pablo Garreton and Francisco D’Agostino crossed for Argentina, with Garreton adding a conversion as the South Americans turned the match around and held on for victory.

Argentina 12 (0)
Tries: Pablo Garreton, Francisco D’Agostino
Con: Garreton
Australia 7 (7)
Try: Zander Esterhuizen
Con: Milo Plastow

Uganda finish pool stages unbeaten
Uganda completed an unbeaten pool stage with a disciplined 14-7 victory over Japan, with Ryan Juuko scoring both tries.

The Ugandans led 7-0 at half-time and used their physicality at the breakdown to frustrate Japan, while also controlling the tempo of the contest. Juuko’s second try stretched the lead with just over four minutes remaining before Japan responded through Kenshin Ikeda, who showed excellent awareness to score beside the upright despite being challenged by three Ugandan defenders.

Japan pushed hard in the closing stages, but Uganda held firm to secure the top spot in Pool B.

Japan 7 (0)
Try: Kenshin Ikeda
Con: Kohki Yoshida
Uganda 14 (7)
Tries: Ryan Juuko (2)
Cons: Allan Karuhanga (2)

South Africa turned on the style
The hosts produced one of the performances of the tournament so far, overwhelming Chile 45-5 to finish the pool stages unbeaten.

Leachim Adams set the tone from the opening kick-off, crossing almost immediately before Coun-Lee Koekman added a second following a five-metre scrum. Adams then crossed again in the corner to give South Africa a commanding 19-0 half-time advantage.

Adams completed his hat-trick shortly after the restart before unselfishly handing the ball to Lukhangela Tshayi rather than chasing a fourth try himself. Ethan Manus added another try and conversion before Chile finally found some reward through Damian Aranda, but Tshayi had the final say with an impressive 80-metre run for his second try, with Simthembile Zozi adding the conversion.

South Africa 45 (19)
Tries: Leachim Adams (3), Lukhangela Tshayi (2), Coun-Lee Koekman, Ethan Manus
Cons: Keno Alexander, Aaron Swartz, Ethan Manus (2), Simthembile Zozi
Chile 5 (0)
Try: Damian Aranda

Mexico finish on a positive note
Mexico ended their tournament on a positive note after overturning a 7-5 half-time deficit to beat Norway 12-7 in the first 8th/9th-place play-off.

Mateo Lopez and Christopher Cole crossed for Mexico, with Lopez playing a key role in the build-up to Cole’s try. Mexico’s physical approach at the breakdown helped them take control after the interval and secure their first victory of the championship.

Norway 7 (7)
Try: Sindre Storrusten
Con: Erwan Barzic
Mexico 12 (5)
Tries: Mateo Lopez, Christopher Cole
Con: Christopher Cole

Chile edge Zimbabwe in thriller
Chile bounced back from their defeat to South Africa by beating Zimbabwe 33-29 in an entertaining 6th/7th-place play-off.

Cristóbal Salgado scored twice, with Diego Espinoza and Francisco Figuero also crossing, while a penalty try completed Chile’s tally. Zimbabwe was led by the outstanding PK Manyakara, who scored a superb solo try and played a hand in two of his side’s five tries.

Martin Cura’s goal-kicking ultimately proved decisive, with the Chilean converting three of four attempts compared with two from Zimbabwe’s Phillip Chimhaka.

Chile 33 (28)
Tries: Diego Espinoza, Cristóbal Salgado (2), penalty try, Francisco Figuero
Cons: Martin Cura (3)
Zimbabwe 29 (14)
Tries: PK Manyakara, Gealan Jaricha, Liberty Sibanda, Owen Mushumi, Phillip Chimhaka
Cons: Phillip Chimhaka (2)