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New Zealand overcame a stern challenge from the Women’s Eagles in the Cup Semi Finals on their way to a dominant Cup Final win over Australia at the HSBC Sevens Series event in Las Vegas on Saturday. The victory stretches New Zealand’s overall table lead to six points above the Olympic champions, with Canada now 10 points behind the top seeds.
It was another profitable tournament for the two North American sides in Las Vegas as they collided in the Bronze Final. Canada would once again prove a level beyond the USA with a 31-7 win to salvage third place. Australia – and Ellia Green in particular – were too fast in the outside channels for the Canadians in the Cup Semis, an issue that will no doubt be revisited in training during the coming weeks.
The Women’s Eagles got their revenge against Ireland in the Quarter Finals but the power of New Zealand was just too much to handle. To their credit it was the closest any side ran the eventual champions throughout the tournament. Their 4th place finish now sees them tied with Russia on 34 points but one spot behind on the ladder in 6th due to points differential.
Brazil and Argentina each had only two matches on the final day. Both fell to their opponents in the Trophy Semi Finals to set up a head-to-head match to determine 11th place. As expected it was Brazil who were strongest, coming away 41-0 winners though Argentina will take some heart by scoring a try against England via Deborah Fretes.
The HSBC Women’s Sevens Series now takes a break until April 22 when the Japan tournament in Kitakyushu kicks off.
DAY TWO RESULTS
TROPHY SEMI FINALS
England 45 – 7 Argentina
Spain 19 – 7 Brazil
CUP QUARTER FINALS
Canada 33 – 0 France
Fiji 7 – 22 Australia
USA 20 – 12 Ireland
New Zealand 26 – 5 Russia
11th PLACE FINAL
Argentina 0 – 41 Brazil
TROPHY FINAL
England 0 – 10 Spain
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
France 12 – 15 Fiji
Ireland 5 – 20 Russia
CUP SEMI FINALS
Canada 17 – 26 Australia
USA 7 – 12 New Zealand
7th PLACE FINAL
France 15 – 5 Ireland
5th PLACE FINAL
Fiji 19 – 17 Russia
BRONZE FINAL
Canada 31 – 7 USA
CUP FINAL
New Zealand 28 – 5 Australia
