18 Jan 2015

Semi-finals time at National Sevens

6:55 am on 18 January 2015

Defending men's rugby sevens champions Wellington, hosts Bay of Plenty and Taranaki all had three wins to top their pools and secure a place in the playoffs at this weekend's National Sevens in Rotorua.

Auckland's Tain Lam fends off a tackler

Auckland's Tain Lam fends off a tackler Photo: Photosport

In the Cup quarter-finals, Taranaki will play Counties Manukau, Wellington will play Otago, Auckland play Waikato, and Bay of Plenty play Northland.

Auckland had two wins and a draw, while Waikato, Counties Manukau and Northland each had two wins.

Otago and Manawatu both had a win and two draws to scrape into the top eight.

Canterbury, Horowhenua Kapiti and North Harbour had one win, while Tasman, Wairarapa Bush, Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury all suffered three losses.

Meanwhile, defending women's champions Manawatu topped their pool to move straight into the semi-finals, as did Auckland.

Canterbury's Jessica Drummond makes a break

Canterbury's Jessica Drummond makes a break Photo: Photosport

Waikato still have a shot in their playoff match against Canterbury on Sunday, with Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau to play each other for their chance at a semi-final.