The holders had beaten Japan and Wales in their opening matches of the tournament, with their team seeking to maintain their 100 per cent record at Stade Aime-Giral in Perpignan.

A strong performance saw them overcome Australia 27-18 to finish top of the standings.

Wales clinched second place with a narrow 18-17 win over Japan, leaving them with two wins and one defeat in the group.

England maintained their unbeaten record with a comfortable win over neighbours Scotland at the Stade de la Méditerranée in Béziers.

The English team emerged as 35-10 winners to wrap up their Group B campaign.

Italy went head-to-head with Argentina to finish second in the group, with the European side coming out on top by a 30-26 score.

France clashed with South Africa in Group C to decide which nation claimed top spot in the standings.

The host nation were able to secure their third victory in front of a home crowd.

They emerged as 46-29 winners in the tie.

Georgia finished third in the group, as they secured their first win of the competition by beating Ireland 24-20.

Having accrued the more points in their group than fellow second placed teams Wales and Italy, South Africa claimed a place in the semi-finals.

They are now set to face England on Tuesday (June 12).

New Zealand will clash with France.