USA beat New Zealand, earn Silver in Dubai

It was a good start for the two Americas women’s teams at the Dubai 7s. Both Canada and the USA reached the Semi Finals. Though both ultimately fell short of an overall title, undoubtedly the highlight of Day Two was the USA’s upset of defending World Champions New Zealand in a thrilling Quarter Final.

Two tries from New Zealand to one from Naya Tapper left the Women’s Eagles with work to do, but a late try from Kelsi Stockert crucially gave Alev Kelter a kickable conversion for the win. The final, however, proved a step too far as Olympic Champions Australia continued their unstoppable form that saw them blow through the field in the season opener.

Australia had earlier beaten Canada in the Semi Final. Last year’s third-place finishers started strongly one Day One but couldn’t quite find their best on Day Two. They needed extra time to get past France in the Quarter final and gave up a late try to Russia to drop the Bronze Final. It was hardly a disaster but there is room for improvement.

After their disappointment in the Quarter Final, New Zealand shut out both Spain and France en route to a 5th place finish. It was the first time since Dubai 2015 they have failed to make the Semi Finals.

The women now take a break until January 26 when they travel to Sydney.

DAY TWO RESULTS

CUP QUARTER FINALS
New Zealand 12 – 14 USA
Russia 20 – 7 Spain
Australia 29 – 12 England
Canada 24 – 19 France

TROPHY SEMI FINALS
Ireland 38 – 5 Japan
Fiji 14 – 17 South Africa

5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
New Zealand 43 – 0 Spain
England 12 – 21 France

CUP SEMI FINALS
USA 21 – 12 Russia
Australia 25 – 7 Canada

11th PLACE FINAL
Japan 15 – 17 Fiji

7th PLACE FINAL
Spain 21 – 14 England

5th PLACE FINAL
New Zealand 24 – 0 France

TROPHY FINAL
Ireland 24 – 7 South Africa

BRONZE FINAL
Russia 10 – 5 Canada

CUP FINAL
USA 0 – 34 Australia