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The opening day of the Dubai Sevens saw both North American entries winning in the women’s bracket. Canada got past a tricky Russia side in their first match, with the USA besting Brazil immediately following to set up a mighty battle for Pool A supremacy on Day Two.
Two first half tries from Bianca Farella paved the way for Canada’s victory. Alena Mikhaltsova’s reply came with Russia already facing a 19-nil deficit and while they fought back to make it close in the end, the match-winner from Charity Williams ended all hope two minutes before full-time. Ghislaine Landry added a try and two conversions to make it a 24-19 final score.
It was a routine win for the Eagles as they outscored Brazil five tries to one. Kristi Kirshe set the stage with a first half double with late tries from Naya Tapper and Abby Gustaitis blowing up the scoreboard. Eti Haungatai also got on the board in the 29-7 win with conversions from Alev Kelter and Kayla Canett.
Thalia Costa had the only try for Brazil but it was one of the highlights of the day, with the speedster taking the outside from her own goal line all the way under the posts at the other end. The extras were added by captain Raquel Kochhann.
Other results included a big win for Australia over Fiji and a pair of shutouts in Pool C as France blanked England and the Black Ferns crushed Japan. Ireland came up one conversion short against Spain in the other Pool B match.
Day Two will see Canada start against Brazil before the big North American battle to close the pool stage. The USA will need to deal with Russia before their northern neighbors. Live broadcasts will be available on the CBC Sports website in Canada, NBC Sports Gold in the USA, and ESPN in South America.
DAY ONE RESULTS
POOL A
Canada 24 – 19 Russia
USA 29 – 7 Brazil
POOL B
Spain 12 – 10 Ireland
Australia 38 – 10 Fiji
POOL C
France 29 – 0 England
New Zealand 48 – 0 Japan
DAY TWO AMERICAS FIXTURES
Friday, Dec 6 – 09:44 local / 00:44 Eastern – Pool A – Canada vs Brazil
Friday, Dec 6 – 10:06 local / 01:06 Eastern – Pool A – USA vs Russia
Friday, Dec 6 – 14:56 local / 05:56 Eastern – Pool A – Russia vs Brazil
Friday, Dec 6 – 15:18 local / 06:18 Eastern – Pool A – USA vs Canada
COMPLETE FIXTURES LIST HERE
