Having finished second behind arch-rivals Canada in Group B, the American team began as underdogs against Australia, but after remaining in touch in the opening stages of the tie, they took a two point lead as the first quarter drew to a close.

Rather than feeling the nerves of leading against the reigning world champions, the Americans appeared inspired by the challenge and opened up a five-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

Australia fought back in the closing stages but the US held on to secure a 57-54 win which saw them advance to tomorrow's final, where they will face a rematch with Canada.

The Canadian team had coasted into the gold medal match, seeing off the challenge of Japan in style, with the opponents unable to claw their way back into the semi-final having trailed 31-26 at half-time.

Canada sent a warning to their North American rivals as they continued to score freely in the remaining two quarters, pulling away from Japan to seal a 60-50 win.

Australia and Japan will meet in the bronze medal playoff. 

In the early matches, European champions Britain and France booked their places in the fifth place playoff, overcoming South African and New Zealand in the respective ties classification ties.

Britain were aiming to recover from their failure to qualify for the semi-finals from Group B and they produced a dominant display to brush aside South Africa.

Jamie Stead proved to be the star of the early stages of the match as he scored seven tries within the opening quarter as the home favourites built a 16-point advantage over their rivals, who were looking to record their first victory of the tournament.

However the prospect of a South African win was all but ended as Britain had ended the opening half with a 35-11 lead and the gulf between the two sides remained the same during the second period as the home team continued to score with ease on route to sealing a 71-22 triumph.

Having between France in the group stage on the opening day of competition, the Britain will be hoping for a repeat performance on the final day of the event, with their fellow Europeans having edged past New Zealand in a closely fought encounter.

The French team took a 26-25 lead by the halfway mark of the match, but the final two quarters proved nervy affairs as they came under pressure from the Kiwi’s before holding onto to win 49-46. 

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