GB beaten by USA in women’s rugby sevens last eight

Handling errors cost Team GB dear as they lost their women’s rugby sevens quarter-final 17-7 to USA at Stade de France.

GB took the lead in the first half through Ellie Boatman’s try in the right corner, which was well converted by Lisa Thomson from the touchline.

But the British team failed to press their advantage with several passes going astray before Naya Tapper struck back for the Americans to make it 7-5 at half-time.

And the USA raised their game after the break with tries from Kirsti Krishe and Sammy Sullivan ensuring they progress to Tuesday’s semi-finals.

GB meanwhile will go into the 5th-8th place play-off bracket, having finished fourth at each of the previous two Olympics.

It completes a bad day for the team, after British Olympic Association said it is investigating an alleged racist message sent by player Amy Wilson-Hardy.

Elsewhere in women’s rugby sevens, reigning champions New Zealand progressed to the last four after running in nine tries during a 57-5 thumping of China. They will take on USA in the last four.

Hosts France meanwhile were stunned 19-14 by Canada, who scored a last-minute winning try through Chloe Daniels.

The French women had hoped to emulate the men’s rugby sevens team, who claimed gold on the opening day of the Games, but a forward pass during the final play of the game left the team devastated.

Canada’s semi-final will be against Australia, who thrashed Ireland 40-7 in their last eight game.