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Canada have been crowned Cup Champions at the Sydney 7s after defeating the USA 21-17 in an exciting final that capped a day of historic firsts for the Americas. It marks just the second time that Canada have claimed the title on the HSBC Women’s Sevens Series and the first time in any HSBC Sevens event that two teams from the Americas have contested the Cup Final. For the USA it was their third trip to the final match, and first since March 2015 in Atlanta. Earlier in the day Brazil notched a first of their own, defeating England to lift the Challenge Trophy.
The two finalists started strongly on Day Two with the Women’s Eagles pushing past Ireland comfortably and Canada having little trouble with Russia. More daunting challenges in New Zealand and hosts Australia awaited in the Semi Finals.
New Zealand hardly knew what hit them as the scoreboard read 19-0 in the 10th minute of play against the USA. Two tries from Alev Kelter and one for Naya Tapper had their opponents reeling and short on time. Katarina Whata responded quickly but a yellow card to Portia Woodman all but ended New Zealand’s hopes. A consolation score by Tyla Nathan-Wong was too little, too late, and the Women’s Eagles celebrated a famous victory.
Meanwhile Canada had to overcome Olympic Champions Australia on their home turf to push into the finale. The familiar sight of Ellia Green racing away came shortly after kickoff. Canada were not disheartened, however, and led by the inspirational Jen Kish they closed the gap to two, with a Britt Benn score, converted by skipper Ghislaine Landry, putting them five ahead at the break. Neither side could find the try-line in a tense second half and Canada had earned their date with the USA.
Tapper struck first in the final, stretching away down the left wing. Benn replied with her best imitation to draw the scores level almost immediately. A swerve of the hips from Charity Williams saw her best the cover on the inside to put Canada up by one score at the half.
It was Tapper again who crossed just after the break, but Kelter’s conversion was no good leaving the Eagles two points short. Megan Lukan came into the game for Canada and made in immediate and decisive impact, with her offload on the inside putting Bianca Farella over for a try, with Landry’s extras meaning the USA would need two scores. Tapper had the final say, notching her hat-trick before full-time but there was no time to mount a comeback with Landry sending the ball into the stands after the restart.
Canada now trail Australia by only two points for second spot on the overall series table, and New Zealand by six. The USA are now in 6th spot, with Brazil tied with Spain for series points but in 12th spot on points differential. The HSBC Women’s Sevens Series resumes on March 3 in Las Vegas.
DAY TWO RESULTS
CUP QUARTER FINALS
New Zealand 24 – 5 France
Ireland 5 – 17 USA
Australia 17 – 5 Fiji
Russia 5 – 26 Canada
TROPHY SEMI FINALS
England 29 – 17 Papua New Guinea
Spain 7 – 10 Brazil
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
France 21 – 19 Ireland
Fiji 33 – 19 Russia
CUP SEMI FINALS
New Zealand 12 – 19 USA
Australia 7 – 12 Canada
11th PLACE FINAL
Papua New Guinea 17 – 31 Spain
TROPHY FINAL
England 12 – 17 Brazil
7th PLACE FINAL
Ireland 12 – 17 Russia
5th PLACE FINAL
France 12 – 31 Fiji
BRONZE FINAL
New Zealand 19 – 0 Australia
CUP FINAL
USA 17 – 21 Canada
