The Ireland men's team suffered a last-gasp defeat against Canada in their opening match at the New Zealand Sevens but responded strongly by beating Spain.
It was a tougher opening day for the women’s team, however, after they suffered heavy losses against Canada and France.
The men’s team set up a dramatic finish in their opening with Canada when Jordon Conroy’s try tied the scores at 21-21 with one minute remaining.
However, Phil Berna crossed for the Canadians on the final play to snatch victory.
This is how @IrishRugby warm up for the #NZSevens 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/dlPMhPAK1i
— HSBC NZ Sevens (@NZ_Sevens) January 24, 2020
Ireland trailed early on in their second game against Spain but another Conroy try gave them a 14-12 lead at the interval.
They pulled away in the second half as tries from Terry Kennedy and Harry McNulty sealed a 28-17 success which keeps their semi-final hopes alive.
Ireland sit third in Pool 3, one behind Canada and France. They must beat Les Bleus (10.29pm Irish time on Saturday) and hope Canada slip up against Spain.
There are no quarter-finals in Hamilton, with only the pool winners advancing to the cup semi-finals.
The Ireland women’s team made a promising start against Canada with Hannah Tyrell scoring a first-half try, but they were punished in the second period as the Canadians raced to a 24-7 victory.
Later in the day, France exhibited their power as they ran in five tries in 35-7 success.
Ireland face Spain in their final pool match (7.45pm Irish time on Saturday).
