Drauniniu Try Helps England Through to Semis
England Sevens win pass to New Zealand show down By Jessica Chambers, RFU England 15 - 5 Argentina England will face New Zealand in the cup semi final after overcoming Argentina at the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens. The showdown kicks off at 2.20pm GMT, which is 10 minutes before their senior counterparts take to the Twickenham turf for the Investec Challenge match. Three tries from England was enough to send them through this morning, Josh Drauniniu, Tom Biggs and Isoa Damudamu added to England’s scoreboard but as the rain came down over Dubai Ollie Phillips’ kicking suffered with no conversions scored. Rob Vickerman, once again, proved to be vital in the centre, cutting through Argentina’s defence to set-up Drauniniu for the first try of the match. Argentina fought back, but England defended well and a great run by scrum half Micky Young saw Argentina on the back foot once again. Young was forced to throw out to Ollie Phillips who found support from Damu who flew over the line for his fifth try of the tournament. The score at the break was 10-0. England came back after the break to score their third try, Vickerman winning the ball from Argentina’s line out, which found Phillips who kicked the ball up field for Tom Biggs to chase. Biggs outrunning Argentina’s defence for his first try of the tournament. Argentina didn’t give up and scored their only try of the match in the last seconds, a diving tackle from Biggs couldn’t stop them as they went over, but failed to convert. The final score was 15-5. England face New Zealand in the cup semi final at 6.20pm (GMT, 2.20pm). England: Isoa Damudamu (Army), Rob Vickerman (Leeds Carnegie), Ollie Phillips (Captain, Newcastle Falcons), Josua Drauniniu (Exeter Chiefs/Royal Navy), Kevin Barrett (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Biggs (Leeds Carnegie), Chris Cracknell (Exeter Chiefs). Replacements: Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons), Greg Barden (Bristol Rugby/Royal Navy), James Rodwell (Moseley RFC). England scorers: Tries: Drauniniu, Damu, Biggs Conversions: none Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens, November 28 & 29 England results: Pool D Friday November 28 England 31-7 Portugal England 24-10 USA Fiji 5 v 28 England Saturday November 29 England 15 -5 Argentina To follow England Sevens go to www.rfu.com/sevens Ends Image courtesy of Allsport - Josh still in those sun glasses - ed!