Japan stunned New Zealand in an exciting Olympic rugby sevens match on Tuesday, August 9 at Deodoro Stadium, downing one of the top teams in the world 14-12 on the opening morning of pool competition.

Its no secret that results in sevens tend to be more erratic as compared to 15s, however this scoreline will echo across the world, bringing reviving memories of the Brave Blossoms' victory over South Africa last September.

To make things worse, Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwis star man was helped off the field early in the second-half he ruptured an achilles, ending his participation in the Games too soon, The Guardian reported.

That being said, Japan fully deserved the win, taking the lead right in the beginning through Truya Goto and shocking New Zealand with the fast pace of their rugby.

As a result of tries from Scott Curry and Akira Ioane, New Zealand went back in front, but Japan managed to level the scores when Kameli Soejima surged over. This left Katsuyuki Sakai with an angled conversion which he slotted effortlessly.

A late lineout turnover offered the Kiwis one last chance of a reprieve; however Japan held on for their epic second victory in 12 months.

In other news, Great Britain moved up to the Olympic rugby sevens semi-finals after a sensational 5-0 victory over Argentina in extra time.

Argentina fell short of what would've been a match-winning penalty in stoppage time, pushing the game into sudden death, according to reports on BBC.

Tom Mitchell could've reportedly won it for Britain, only for his penalty to rebound off the post; however Dan Bibby's try shortly after gained victory.

They are slated to go toe-to-toe against South Africa in the last four on Thursday, August 11.

Semi-Finalists Decided

Fiji has moved on to the semi final with a 12-7 victory over the Kiwis. They will face Japan in the last four following their 12-7 victory over France. Meanwhile, South Africa defeated Australia 22-5.

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Topics Rio Olympics 2016, Rio 2016, New zealand, Japan