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It was a great day for North American rugby on the first day of the Atlanta stop on the HSBC Women’s Sevens Series. Both Canada and hosts USA emerged undefeated with three wins apiece, with the Eagles earning the greatest applause from a sensational victory over New Zealand.
After blowing past Spain and Japan with little difficulty, new coach Richie Walker got the best possible present on his first day in charge as his charges put in a terrific performance to topple the defending champions. Bui Baravilala put Alev Kelter over just two minutes in to give the USA an early lead, and it took a bit of magic from Selica Winiata to level the scores before the break. Super-sub Jessica Javelet did one better just a minute from time as she scorched through the defensive line for a scintillating individual effort to give her team a famous win.
Canada’s day wasn’t far off. Despite being short of top form they got through the challenges of Russia and Ireland in good shape, outscoring their opponents 55-10. The third match proved more treacherous, but ultimately two tries from captain Jen Kish and one from Ghislaine Landry were enough to outstrip France.
Meanwhile South America’s only entry Colombia struggled, managing only one try – via Camila Lopera – in three games with an unfortunate draw pitting them against Fiji, Australia, and England. It was England who scored the first upset of the day, defeating table-toppers Australia before coasting past Fiji to top the very competitive Pool A.
It will be the USA’s turn to face Australia in the Cup quarter final on Saturday afternoon, while Canada will be up against Fiji. Colombia will play Japan in the Bowl semi final. All matches will be streamed live by World Rugby.
DAY ONE RESULTS
POOL A (Eng, Aus, Fij, Col)
Australia 7 – 21 England
Fiji 41 – 7 Colombia
Australia 34 – 0 Colombia
Fiji 7 – 28 England
Australia 22 – 5 Fiji
England 45 – 0 Colombia
POOL B (Can, Fra, Rus, Ire)
Canada 26 – 5 Russia
France 22 – 0 Ireland
Canada 29 – 5 Ireland
France 22 – 7 Russia
Canada 17 – 12 France
Russia 10 – 7 Ireland
POOL C (USA, NZ, Spa, Jap)
New Zealand 38 – 5 Japan
USA 24 – 0 Spain
New Zealand 10 – 5 Spain
USA 33 – 12 Japan
New Zealand 5 – 12 USA
Japan 15 – 7
DAY TWO FIXTURES
Sat, Apr 9 – 12:30 EST – CUP QF – England vs Russia
Sat, Apr 9 – 12:52 EST – CUP QF – Canada vs Fiji
Sat, Apr 9 – 13:14 EST – CUP QF – USA vs Australia
Sat, Apr 9 – 13:36 EST – CUP QF – France vs New Zealand
Sat, Apr 9 – 13:58 EST – BOWL SF – Japan vs Colombia
Sat, Apr 9 – 14:20 EST – BOWL SF – Spain vs Ireland
