Canada has earned core status for the 2012-2013 IRB Sevens World Series season after beating Portugal in the Hong Kong 7s Qualifier semifinal.

They will want to win the final against Spain, but win or lose, they have earned the spot among the teams attending all the tournaments in 2012-2013.

Canada started Day Three in Hong Kong by beating a very solid Russian team 24-7. Sean Duke scored two tries and Conor Trainor and Ciaran Hearn also scored. That set them up against Portugal in the semifinal.

There things were a little dicier. Trainor opened the scoring two minutes in, but Portugal replied to make it 7-5. Taylor Paris scored right off the restart of the second half, pumping his fist in triumph before touching down, and then the Canadians held on.

Canada almost scored, but failed to extend the lead. Then Hearn was sin-binned for a late hit, and the Canadians were under pressure.

Portugal needed two scores, however, and in the end could only get one, with time up.

Spain, meanwhile, defeated Japan to 17-12 in their semi to make the final. Spain also earns core status.

Japan and Portugal play off for the third core place on offer.