Canada lifts Cup in Clermont

The final day of the 2015/16 HSBC Women’s Sevens Series saw Canada defeat Australia in a classic match to lift the Cup at the Stade Gabriel Montpied in Clermont-Ferrand. It is the first Cup title for Canada on this year’s circuit and only their second ever, following up on last year’s Series finale victory in Amsterdam. This effort was particularly noteworthy given that influential captain Jen Kish was relegated to the sidelines on the final day due to an injury suffered on Day One.

Early scores from Magali Harvey and Kelly Russell had the Canadians on the front foot, and two more from Ghislaine Landry and Britt Benn gave them a commanding 26-7 lead at the break. Australia responded in the second half through Ellia Green and Emilee Cherry to make things interesting but their last gasp efforts were cut short by a determined Canuck defense.

With the win Canada finish in 3rd overall for the season, tied with England on points but narrowly ahead on score differential. It was a hugely impressive 31-10 result over England in the semi final that had propelled them into title contention after a less convincing 12-5 match against Fiji in the quarter final. The timing of the performance could not have come at a better time and provides a major boost to Canadian confidence with the Olympics now on the near horizon.

The Women’s Eagles ended in 6th place, consistent with their overall season rankings. They fell to England in the Cup quarter before just edging Fiji 14-12 in the Plate semi as Luisa Tisolo’s conversion attempt fell off target to refuse the draw. In the Plate final they were outclassed by France, with late scores from Bui Baravilala and Jessica Javelet drawing the scores close before time ran out.

Head coach Richie Walker now has two months to settle on his strongest side for the Olympics. On paper his side are now outside bets for a medal but certainly capable of lifting their game. With the likes of Victoria Folayan and Alev Kelter approaching top form there is enough class available to upset the likes of Australia and New Zealand.

DAY TWO RESULTS

CUP QUARTER FINALS
England 21 – 12 USA
New Zealand 19 – 12 France
Australia 35 – 0 Spain
Canada 12 – 5 Fiji

BOWL SEMI FINALS
Russia 27 – 12 Kenya
Japan 0 – 33 Ireland

PLATE SEMI FINALS
USA 14 – 12 Fiji
France 17 – 0 Spain

CUP SEMI FINALS
England 10 – 31 Canada
New Zealand 5 – 14 Australia

11th PLACE
Kenya 12 – 5 Japan

BOWL FINAL
Russia 24 – 5 Ireland

7th PLACE
Fiji 10 – 13 Spain

PLATE FINAL
USA 19 – 22 France

BRONZE FINAL
England 5 – 22 New Zealand

CUP FINAL
Canada 29 – 19 Australia